SHILLONG, July 2: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Sunday asked the Centre to thoroughly examine its decision to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and warned that if the Centre remains adamant then it may lead to protests as was witnessed during the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (now an Act).
KSU general secretary Donald V. Thabah said the Centre should take into account the customary laws and practices of the various tribal communities of the Northeast.
“The tribals in Meghalaya have their own customary practices on inheritance, maintenance, divorce, social norms, and marriage. The majority of the tribal population in Meghalaya follows the Christian faith and the Christian Marriage Act. It will definitely affect out our customary practices which is very unique,” the KSU general secretary said.
Thabah also mentioned that Meghalaya does not get special protection like Mizoram and Nagaland where Article 371G and Article 371A are applicable.
“With this special protection, the central laws will not be applicable in both the states,” he said.
Pointing out that Goa has its own civil code, the KSU general secretary said it would be better if the Centre urges the different states to formulate their own civil codes rather than imposing a central code on all the citizens. “Also the states can decide whether or not to formulate their own civil codes” he added.
