Nagaland Assembly Session: CM Rio proposes to pass a resolution for exempting state from UCC

The Nagaland Chief Minister expressed his confidence that the Centre will not 'betray' the Nagas, and would uphold Article 371(A).

The monsoon session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly began today with several key issues being discussed on the floor of the House including the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) which was on top of the agenda.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio proposed that the 14th Nagaland Assembly unanimously adopt and pass a resolution to exempt Nagaland from the proposed enactment of UCC. A Resolution on UCC is likely to be adopted tomorrow.

Rio said, “a small state like Nagaland, our Assembly cannot a pass a resolution to confront with the central government, and we cannot protect any other state by our resolution.” He therefore, said that the House should not object but pass the resolution and let the state be protected by the special provision of Article 371 (A).

The Nagaland Chief Minister expressed his confidence that the Centre will not ‘betray’ the Nagas, and would uphold Article 371(A).

CM Rio is of the view that the UCC if it comes into effect in the state would pose to be a threat to the Naga customary laws, social practices and the religious practices, which will be in danger of encroachment.

In this context, Rio referred to the fact that his government has already submitted its views to the 22nd Law Commission on July 4 this year clearly mentioning about the impact of UCC (if implemented) on the people of Nagaland.

He said it was made very clear in the petition by the State Cabinet that “such an approach is a direct threat to the practice of our customary laws, social practices and the religious practices”.

NPF Legislature party leader Kuzholuzo Nienu also expressed his strong reservations on the issue. Nienu said, “UCC is betraying the hope and trust of the minorities, especially the tribal communities, for whom constitutional provisions, like Article 371(A) or Sixth Schedule, have been provided to protect and promote our customs, values and practices, things which have given us a sense of identity, worth, belongingness and purpose.”

The Inner Line Permit (ILP) issue also figured in the proceedings as Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton who also holds the Home portfolio replied to queries raised by NPF leader Kuzholuzo Neinu.

The NPF MLA sought reply on the updated figures of the new ILP registrations as well as policies regarding deportation of illegal migrants.

Replying to Kuzholuzo Neinu, DY CM Patton said that 6,899 new ILPs have been issued and 13,782 ILPs have been renewed. Another 10, 587 ILPs have been issued to tourists. Patton informed that no Illegal migrant has been arrested or deported. The figures are from January 1, 2023 till date.

The Assembly unanimously adopted The Protection of Children from Sexual Of (POCSO) Amendment Act, 2019 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Rules, 2020.

The 60-member Nagaland Assembly also unanimously passed a resolution to repeal The Employment of Manual Scavengers & Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 and adopted The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

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