By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 13: The UDP on Thursday dispatched a petition to the Law Commission of India expressing stiff opposition to the Centre’s proposal to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
The petition signed by UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said Article 44 of the Constitution endeavours the implementation of the UCC to uphold the principles of justice, equality and secularism, but there is the greater need to respect the rights and sensitivities of all citizens of the country, irrespective of caste, creed, ethnicity and religious affiliation.
“Considering the fact that our state falls under the purview of the Sixth Schedule, any infringement on the rights of the indigenous tribals will defeat the intent of this exercise. In light of the absence of the draft proposal from the Government of India, we are left in a position that deprives us from sharing our views at this juncture,” the UDP said.
Meanwhile, TMC state president Charles Pyngrope lamented that people of the country have not got a chance to review or go through the UCC draft.
Pointing out that there are Christians, Muslims and tribals and Hindu undivided families, he wanted to know how the Centre will implement the UCC.
“I have serious doubts that the UCC cannot be implemented by any government,” Pyngrope added.
The A’chik Literature Society (ALS) also expressed concern over the proposed enactment of the UCC.
It observed that UCC would adversely affect all the tribals in India in general and the Garos in particular. It added that the social fabric, customs, traditions and cultural ethos, laws and beliefs which the Garos have inherited from their ancestors would be jeopardized.
“The tribals are protected by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the constitutional protection should be upheld,” it said.
