 of KHADC PN Syiem said that the suggestions from the meeting will be included in the explainer to be submitted to the National Law Commission before July 14 in an effort to present strong points of their opposition to the UCC.){kind=link}
SHILLONG:
Deputy Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) P.N. Syiem, on July 5, said that an explanatory note, incorporating points of stakeholders to oppose the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be drafted, and a joint meeting of the three Autonomous District Councils will be called to discuss the matter.
The organizations present at the meeting called by the KHADC were the Federation of Khasi States, Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong ka Bri U Hynniewtrep, Khasi Students’ Union, Hynniewtrep Youth Council, Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People, Hynniewtrep National Youth Front, Ri Bhoi Youth Federation and others.
Syiem said that the suggestions from the meeting will be included in the explainer to be submitted to the National Law Commission before July 14 in an effort to present strong points of their opposition to the UCC.
He recalled that the KHADC passed a resolution on June 24 during the summer (Budget) session to oppose the implementation of UCC by the union government.
He asserted that even the might of British Imperialism cannot dilute the traditional rights of the Khasis.
He said that Article 244 (2) of the Indian Constitution is very clear that the administration of tribal areas should be as per the provision of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
“Bringing the UCC is not sound historically, constitutionally and will come in conflict with the customary rights of the people. I appeal to the state government to have the same mind as we do not want any dilution of our traditional rights,” Syiem.
He said that the standpoint of the opposition is based on the unique customs and practices, the land rights observed by the Khasi tribal community.
Asked if the union government does not pay heed to the opposition of the various stakeholders, Syiem said, “We have historical records and documents, if they go ahead with this, we will start discussing this matter.”
It may be mentioned that the union government went ahead with the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) despite several protests.