By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 6: Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said the Sixth Schedule areas and the rest of the Northeast would be excluded from the purview of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) if implemented across the country.
“I have been made to understand that the implementation of the UCC will not impact the tribals or the areas they inhabit,” he told a gathering after launching Nichols Roy Bible College’s bus service at Sohryngkham in the presence of KHADC Chief Executive Member, Pyniaid Sing Syiem.
Sangma said the Centre has been discussing the implementation of the UCC. It is a matter of huge concern for everyone, especially as a tribal leader in the country, he said.
“I have come out openly on this issue. After my statement, there has been a lot of communication with the leaders at the Centre about the UCC,” he said. The Chief Minister said he has been in awe of the work done by Rev JJM Nichols Roy, the architect of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
“The work he had done so many years ago is protecting us today and allowing us to maintain our unique culture. He gave us an umbrella of protection over us,” he said.
Sangma, however, observed that even Nichols Roy would not have imagined the kind of impact his work has had on the lives of the people in the Northeast.
Meanwhile, reacting to the growing opposition to the UCC, senior BJP leader Alexander L. Hek said anything that goes against any religion or community should not be allowed.
“I say this not as a BJP leader but as a citizen of India and a leader of Meghalaya,” he said while pointing out it is too early to react to the UCC as the committees are still trying to find out if the UCC is feasible.
“I can give my observation when things are clearer but it is our duty to ensure the interests of the state are not hampered,” Hek said.
On state BJP vice-president Bernard N. Marak defending the UCC by stating it would have no impact on the tribal people or their religion, Hek said it was his personal opinion.
