Editor,
The Delhi High court has identified what modern India needs- a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). In fact, there is a critical need for a common law for a modern nation. The court must be commended for making such a candid observation. This is particularly relevant at a time when certain sections of the Indian society are stubbornly insisting on personal laws for different communities and groups. The court has expressed the feelings of majority of common Indian people on the issue.
There is no denying the fact that political will is essential for the implementation of such a law. True, common people across the country are in favour of such a law. Issues related to property ownership, succession, marriage, divorce could be resolved to a great extent when such a common law is legislated. Relaxations in laws for certain sections of people will lead to division of people based on laws. Hence a common law that is applicable to all sections will prove to be beneficial to the Indian society. The architects of modern India had envisaged an inclusive society where everyone came under a common law. For this to materialise, there needs to be a common law that transcends religious, regional, linguistic considerations.
If such a common law is formulated and implemented, Indian society can get rid of many social evils. Many social evils have been adopted in society as part of religious practices. Everyone wants our country to be progressive and modern in all aspects. A common law that is based on practical and logical ideas will be acceptable to all. Different laws for different communities often leads to controversies and complications. In such a situation even the judiciary is at a loss and unable to pronounce the right verdict.
If all sections of people can be convinced about the importance of such a law, if all political parties cooperate and if the government has the political will, this can be achieved. Further, a massive social awareness and approval from all sections of society is essential for the formulation and implementations of such a law.
Yours etc.,
Venu G S,
Via email
Conversion of IP land to reserved forests
Editor,
In the article captioned, ‘Land of indigenous tribes converted to reserved forests in Manipur,’ the writer T S Haokip (ST July 9, 2021) referred to free movement of Kukis in their ancestral lands. To quote him “That they fought the British in the Anglo-Kuki war 1917- 1919 in defence of their ancestral land and freedom is well documented and acknowledged world-wide”. Not to speak of worldwide acknowledgement, even within the state of Manipur both the Manipuris and Nagas including British writers never acknowledged such claims. Such a statement is a complete distortion of historical facts.
What really happened was during the First World War in the month of April 1917 the British imperialists had requisitioned the recruitment of Indian Labour Corp for the war efforts in France which included North-East tribesmen like Lushais, Kukis, Manipuris, Khasis, Garos, Nagas etc. However, some Kuki villagers refused to comply with the British order. As a result the British sent military punitive expeditions against those rebellious villages. Therefore, to label such non-compliance movement as a rebellion is wrong and it cannot be unnecessarily glorified as the Anglo-Kuki war for the defence of their ancestral lands and freedom.
Moreover, historically speaking there is hardly any mention of the word Kuki before the 19th century in any recorded history. On the contrary, when the Kukis as late migrants settled down in Naga areas they used to pay nominal taxes to the Naga chieftains as permit settlement. Therefore, my humble request to the writer is that distortion of historical facts and unsubstantiated exaggeration should be avoided to maintain credibility and quality of writing.
Yours etc.
Xavier Mao
Department of Philosophy
NEHU, Shillong
COVID widows need livelihoods
Editor,
The Assam Government should be applauded for launching a scheme to grant one-time financial help of Rs 2.5 lakh each to widows whose husbands died of Covid-19. Widows with a family income of less than Rs 5 lakh per annum will benefit from the new scheme. Many states have also introduced various schemes and programmes to rehabilitate pandemic-affected households and help them get back on their feet. Financial assistance may provide some relief to widowed women. For these women’s lives to be sustained, they require a multifaceted rehabilitation programme. State governments, corporate sectors, and private organisations must provide them with chances for skill development and employment at various levels. Widows may benefit from self-help groups led by women. Society’s combined efforts and constructive support is needed to empower Covid widows.
Yours etc.,
Amit Singh Kushwaha,
Via email