Leader of NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu. (Morung File Photo)
Kohima, December 13 (MExN): Bills like the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) which disregards the sentiments, beliefs and values of the minority communities of the country should not live to see the light of the day, stated Leader of NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu on Tuesday.
Vehemently rejecting the same, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) leader said that the UCC Bill should be ‘withdrawn from passing in the parliament if the Government is to protect the nation.’
Addressing the Golden Jubilee of the Thuvopisumi Youth Association Games & Sports Meet, he expressed regret that the UCC was introduced again by BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena in Rajya Sabha last Friday despite earlier oppositions against the bill twice in November 2019 and March 2020.
According to a Press Communiqué from the NPF Press Bureau, Azo further contended the UCC will purely go against the spirit of Indian federalism and also the very foundation upon which Nagaland state was created.
He also maintained that the UCC seeks to undermine the ‘fundamental rights, the freedom of religion guaranteed by the constitution of India.’
“Once the bill is introduced and implemented, it will destroy the cultural ethos and practices of tribal communities of the country, especially the NE tribes,” he added.
States like Nagaland, which has diverse tribes, each priding in their unique customary laws to regulate their lives, will face unbearable consequences, if it is implemented, he maintained.
Accordingly, Azo said that the “introduction of a law that seeks to address personal and other core values of a community without any understanding of their cultural beliefs and values is nothing but will only repeat the ugly face of colonial imperialism in the post-independent era.”
It only amounts to doing away with tribal identities and consequently, the very idea of “unity in diversity” itself, he said.
To this end, Azo urged upon the Central leadership that a true parliamentarian should take into consideration the aspirations and struggles of the weaker section of the society before legislating any law.
He also expressed regret that the people and the law makers representing different communities and their interest have not been consulted regarding the bill and so passing such bill will not only divide the people but threaten the integrity, peace and unity of the country.
The NPF Leader has also called upon all right thinking citizens to oppose and reject it, the release added.
