CM Neiphiu: Amit Shah assures relief of Christian, tribals from UCC

reUnion Home Minister Amit Shah has assured a delegation of Nagaland government officials led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio that the Center will actively consider exempting Christians and certain tribal areas from the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
The move comes in response to concerns expressed by the delegation about the potential impact of the UCC in Nagaland, a Christian-majority state, where religious practices are protected by Article 371(A) of the Constitution.
A 12-member Nagaland delegation met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 7 to discuss concerns over the proposed UCC.
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the potential impact of the implementation of the UCC in Nagaland and emphasized the importance of protecting the religious practices of the Christian community.
Responding to their concerns, Shah assured the delegation that the Center was considering exempting Christians and some tribal areas from the scope of the exercise of the 22nd Law Commission, which included the formation of the UCC.
The Uniform Civil Code has been a prominent issue in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s manifesto, yet it is yet to be implemented. Recently, a momentum has built up around the UCC, with the Law Commission seeking feedback on the proposed code and receiving an overwhelming response of nearly 2 million responses.
Additionally, a committee appointed by Uttarakhand has finalized the draft UCC, which will be submitted to the state soon. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed support for the UCC, opposition parties and various religious and tribal groups have expressed concerns about its implications.
During the meeting, the Nagaland delegation also raised the issue of the protracted Naga political issue, stressing the need for an immediate solution.
He informed the central leaders that the issue was dragging on for an unreasonable period and it should be resolved at the earliest. The delegation’s plea resonated with the authorities, highlighting the urgency of finding a comprehensive and definitive solution to the Naga political issue.
The delegation also discussed the Centre’s proposal to form an autonomous council called Frontier Naga Territory, which would include the six eastern districts of Nagaland.
The proposal was made in response to the demand for a separate state by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO).
A government spokesman confirmed that negotiations are reaching the final stage, and preparations are underway to outline the concept and structure of the new body. The process will involve tripartite discussions, including the state government, to reach a detailed and final agreement.