Opposition demand on UCC resolution rejected by Meghalaya govt

Shillong: The Meghalaya government turned down the demand of opposition for a government resolution against the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on the grounds that the Center is yet to bring a bill on the matter.
The resolution was moved by opposition Congress legislator Charles Marngar and supported by All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) MLAs in the Assembly.
In his reply, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that the state government is against the concept of UCC as it is against the concept of India which is ‘diversity’.
However, the government cannot just pass a resolution ahead of time without knowing the contents of the UCC Bill, he added.
“The question arises, can we as legislators oppose or pass a resolution without knowing the contents of the UCC Bill? Outside the House, we can speak on the basis of what we think. What may happen, but as a legislator, we need to talk first. We have the UCC Bill before us,” Sangma said.
He said that this does not mean only that other states have done so, Meghalaya should also pass a resolution. “So we need to make up our minds. Only after looking at the UCC Bill, we will take a stand as a government,” he added.
The Chief Minister assured that the House will remain united to oppose any move, including by the Parliament, to undermine the identity, rights, culture and practices of the indigenous people of Meghalaya.
He said, “If there is any proposal in the proposed bill to weaken the traditions of tribals regarding religion, marriages and inheritance, then the state government and the assembly will never agree to it.” Talks have also taken place. How to proceed on the matter during the MDA meeting.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that the state government would soon submit its views and suggestions on the UCC to the Law Commission.
Satisfied with the Chief Minister’s reply, Marngar decided to withdraw the resolution. “As I now understand the mind of the government that it is also concerned about the UCC, I request the withdrawal of this resolution,” he said.