To implement disputed UCC the Mizoram Assembly adopts resolution

Aizawl: The Mizoram Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed an official resolution opposing any bid to implement the controversial Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country.

Barring BJP’s lone MLA Dr BD Chakma, 39 MLAs voted in favor of the resolution moved by state Home Minister Lalchamliana.
“This House unanimously resolved to oppose any measure taken or to be taken for the enforcement of the UCC in India,” the official resolution said.

A meeting of the Mizo National Front (MNF) Legislature Party presided over by Chief Minister Zoramthanga on January 30 decided to table a resolution opposing any move to implement the UCC.
Moving the resolution, Lalchamliana said the UCC, if enacted, would dismember the country as it was an attempt to eradicate the religious or social practices, customary laws, cultures and traditions of religious minorities including the Mizos.

He alleged that implementation of the UCC is one of the main agendas of the BJP, which has included it in its election manifesto.
He said that since the constitution was drafted by the Constituent Assembly, several attempts have been made to implement the UCC but it has been pending due to its controversial nature.
A private member’s bill to implement the UCC was introduced by a BJP MP in the upper house on December 9 and the majority of members were in favor of its implementation, Lalchamliana said.

He said that the proposed law can be enacted in the Parliament at any time and it is nothing but imposing a uniform code across India by marginalizing or abolishing the religious or social practices, traditional laws, cultures and traditions of the minorities.
The Home Minister said that Mizoram cannot be affected by the UCC as it has a special provision under Article 371G of the Constitution to protect its cultures, traditional laws and religious practices.

“However, the implementation of UCC is not desirable and healthy for the whole of India,” he said.
Article 371G of the Constitution, which is a by-product of the historic Mizoram Peace Accords signed in 1986, states that no act of Parliament in respect of Mizo religious or social practices, Mizo customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice. Not action. Judgments, ownership and transfer of land according to Mizo customary law shall apply to Mizoram unless the State Legislature by a resolution so decides.
At least four members including Zoramthanga, opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) leader Luduhoma, Congress leader Zodintluanga and BD Chakma took part in the debate that lasted for about an hour.

Opposing the resolution, Chakma said it is premature to oppose the UCC at a time when the Center has confirmed that no decision has been taken to implement it in the country so far.
He said that Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju had recently informed the Upper House in a written reply to a question by Rajya Sabha member from Mizoram K. Vanlalvena that no decision has been taken yet on implementation of the UCC.

Chakma claimed that “the 21st Union Law Commission has recommended that India is not in a position to implement the UCC at this juncture and the 22nd Law Commission is yet to study the feasibility of implementation.”

Zoramathanga and Lalchamliana argued that it was the right time to oppose the UCC before its implementation.
Stating that post-implementation opposition would bear no fruit, the Chief Minister said, the UCC, if implemented, would harm the very existence of the country.

He claimed that the resolution was moved because his party stands by its principle of protecting the Mizo people, their religious practices, cultures, traditions and customs.

Interestingly, the Zormathanga-led MNF is part of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and an ally of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

Zoramthanga had claimed that his (MNF) alliance with the NDA was mainly based on issue base.
He had also said that the MNF will not support the NDA government on issues that are against the party’s interest.
Lalduhoma and Zodintluanga, who spoke on behalf of their constituents, strongly support the resolution.

Both also expressed apprehension that Article 371G could be abrogated at any time as exemplified by the NDA government’s abrogation of the special Article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, the state Congress had called for a concerted effort from political parties, NGOs and churches in the state to oppose any move to implement the UCC.