Meghalaya CM opposes uniform civil code, fears negative impact on tribal culture

Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma has opposed the uniform civil code (UCC) ahead of assembly elections in the tribal-majority northeastern state, a move that confronts alliance partner BJP that is pushing for the code that does away with the independence of religious communities on certain issues, reports Manosh Das.

The National People’s Party (NPP) president said Saturday: “As a political party, we are very clear that UCC is something that cannot be accepted by the NPP. It will have a negative impact on the culture and the way of life of the tribal people in the region, especially in a matrilineal society like that of Meghalaya. ”

The CM said such conditions need to be discussed in detail. “We cannot say anything right now without seeing the actual bill. ”

But the concept of UCC means it is going to be uniform to all and that could “change the cultural practices of Meghalaya”, he said. “That’s something we, as a state, as a party, cannot accept. ”