KOHIMA: Naga People's Front (NPF) legislator Kuzholuzo Nienu has expressed his opposition to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), stating that it poses a direct threat to the communal tribal ethos and values. Nienu emphasized that imposing the UCC on the Naga people would disregard their culture, labeling it as primitive, uncivilized, and inhuman, and undermine their ability to find internal solutions to address issues of rights, equality, and nation-building.
According to Nienu, implementing the UCC would contradict the foundational principles of the Indian constitution, such as diversity, unity, federalism, and secularism. He argued that it fails to acknowledge the rich historical background against which the constitution was written.
Nienu further contended that enforcing the UCC would betray the hopes and trust of minorities, particularly tribal communities, who rely on constitutional provisions like Article 371(A) or the Sixth Schedule to safeguard and promote their customs, values, and practices, providing them with a sense of identity, worth, belongingness, and purpose.
“One must not dishonour the existing constitutional guarantees through which modern India was built. The spirit of Indian nationalism or national integration cannot be achieved by questioning and insulting the wisdom and heritage of the minorities,” said Nienu.
Instead of attempting to override personal laws, Nienu suggested that lawmakers should create platforms for diverse communities to showcase their cultural heritage and wisdom, facilitating genuine interaction and cross-cultural learning. He believed that such initiatives would foster greater understanding, respect, peace, and unity, which are vital for building a strong Indian state.
Nienu highlighted that the concepts of Local Area Development Fund (MLAs) and Local Area Development Scheme (MPs) originate from Naga tribal wisdom. Additionally, he mentioned the national and international recognition garnered by the communitization of basic institutions like healthcare and education, which stems from the communitarian ethos of the Naga tribe, emphasizing care for all members and inclusion in the pursuit of the common good.
Until a consensus on the UCC is reached, Nienu endorsed the suggestion of the 21st Law Commission, which proposed preserving the diversity of personal laws while ensuring they do not contradict the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. He advocated for the codification of personal laws pertaining to family matters to the greatest extent possible, accompanied by necessary amendments to address any existing inequalities.
As a legislator and representative of a tribal community in Nagaland, Nienu strongly opposed any threats posed by modern Western individualistic or Indian majoritarian values and ethos. He argued that these values are incompatible with and undermine the tribal communitarian ethos and values.
Nienu voiced his opposition to the Uniform Civil Code, stating that it undermines the tribal ethos and values of the Naga people and disregards their ability to address societal issues internally. He called for the preservation of diversity in personal laws while ensuring they align with fundamental constitutional rights. Nienu emphasized the importance of respecting and promoting the cultural heritage and wisdom of diverse communities in building a strong Indian nation.
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