The Nagaland legislature spoke out against the proposed Uniform Civil Code and the execution of the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act on Monday, seeking protection under the 16-Point Agreement and Article 371A.
On the opening day of the monsoon session, all parties, including the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, BJP, NCP, NPP, LJP (Ram Vilas), Naga People’s Front, RPI (Athawale), JD(U), and Independents, discussed the concerns.
Nagas enjoy particular protection under Article 371A, according to NPF MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu, hence the UCC and Forest Conservation Amendment Act must be discussed.
“Article 371A clearly states that no act of Parliament shall apply to the State of Nagaland in respect of the religious or social practices of the Nagas, its customary laws and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary laws and ownership and transfer of land and its resources unless the state assembly so decides,” he said and proposed that the House pass a resolution rejecting the UCC and the forest Act.
Temjen Imna Along, president of the Nagaland BJP and a cabinet minister, told the legislature that they will support the resolution on both subjects. P Longon, deputy leader of the NCP legislature party, and Nuklutoshi Longkumer, leader of the NPP legislature party, both stated that the two laws are inapplicable not Nagaland.
In his closing remarks on both meetings, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that Nagaland is the only state to have joined the Indian Union through the signing of a political pact – the 16 Point pact – and the insertion of Article 371A into the Indian Constitution.