NTC writes to Law Commission to exclude Nagaland from UCC purview

DIMAPUR, JUNE 24 (MExN): The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has urged the Law Commission of India to halt the campaign for “Solemn support the implementation and enforcement of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India” while stating that “this kind of exercise would destroy the beauty of diversity of culture and religious practices across India.”

In a representation addressed to the Law Commission of India, the NTC through its president, Toniho Yepthomi and general secretary, Nribemo Ngullie maintained that the personal laws governing different communities have been built over centuries and are deeply rooted in their cultural and religious belief and practices. Hence, it stated that forceful application of laws alien to the concerned communities would not be advisable for a healthy growth of society. Majority is not enough if the genuine opinions of minority are killed, it said. 

The NTC also sought to remind that Nagaland was granted statehood as the 16th States of the Indian Union on December 1, 1963 out of political agreement popularly known as the 16-Point Agreement of 1960. By this deed of agreement, special provision with respect to the state of Nagaland was accorded vide Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India.

The NTC therefore urged upon the 22nd Law Commission of India to consider the inherent rights of the people of Nagaland and exclude Nagaland state from the purview of UCC with recommendation to the Union Government so that the hard earned inalienable provisions of Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India is safeguarded and remain undisturbed.