Any attempt to impose Uniform Civil Code will be counterproductive – Nienu

DIMAPUR— Leader of NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, has said that any attempt to force the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on the diverse communities across the country will be futile and counterproductive.

The NPF leader opined that though there are two important issues surrounding UCC — rights and equality of citizens on the one hand and on the other, national integration — imposing the law would be a direct threat to the fabric of a communitarian tribal ethos and values.

“To impose it on us is to dismiss our culture as primitive, uncivilised and inhuman and question our ability to find a solution from within to address human problems including rights and equality and to contribute to nation building at large,” Nienu said in a press communiqué.

He also maintained that imposition of UCC would go against the basic norms and presuppositions that have gone into the making of the Indian Constitution itself – diversity, unity, federalism, secularism, etc.

“It is betraying the hope and trust of the minorities, especially the tribal communities, for whom constitutional provisions, like article 371(A) or Sixth Schedule, have been provided to protect and promote our customs, values and practices, things which have given us a sense of identity, worth, belongingness and purpose,” Nienu said.

Instead of trying to override matters that come under personal law, lawmakers must, on the contrary, provide platform for diverse communities to showcase their cultural heritage and wisdom so that genuine interaction and cross-cultural learning become possible, he added.

Such an initiative, the NPF leader said, will forge greater understanding among diverse communities across the nation. It will also inculcate a sense of respect, peace and unity which are fundamental for building a strong Indian state.

“It must be noted and put on record that the idea of LADF (MLAs) and LADS (MPs) of the country has its origin in the tribal wisdom of the Nagas.

“Even the concept of communitisation of basic institutions like health and education that has merited national and international recognitions comes from the communitarian ethos of the tribal Nagas – the care of one and all and not to leave anyone out in the pursuit of the good,” Nienu said.

The NPF leader went on to state that “till an appropriate time comes by,” he endorsed the wisdom and suggestion of the 21st Law Commission which observed that “in the absence of any consensus on a uniform civil code, the Commission felt that the best way forward may be to preserve the diversity of personal laws but at the same time ensure that personal laws do not contradict fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India.”