Nagaland Assembly Opposes Uniform Civil Code and Forest Act Implementation

The Nagaland Assembly has expressed strong opposition to the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the implementation of the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act. The Assembly has sought protection under the 16-Point Agreement and Article 371A, which grant special privileges and autonomy to the state of Nagaland.

During the monsoon session, all political parties, including the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), BJP, NCP, NPP, LJP (Ram Vilas), Naga People’s Front (NPF), RPI (Athawale), JD(U), and Independents, discussed these critical issues.

NPF MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu emphasized that Nagas enjoy special protection under Article 371A, which grants autonomy in matters related to religious and social practices, customary laws, administration of justice, and land ownership. He proposed that the Assembly pass a resolution rejecting the UCC and the Forest Conservation Amendment Act.

Nagaland BJP president and cabinet minister Temjen Imna Along pledged support for the Assembly's resolution on both issues.

Deputy leader of the NCP legislature party, P Longon, and NPP legislature party leader Nuklutoshi Longkumer also asserted that these two laws should not be applicable in Nagaland.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio highlighted Nagaland's unique status as the only state that joined the Indian Union through a political agreement—the 16 Point Agreement—and the insertion of Article 371A in the Indian Constitution. He expressed confidence that the central government would honor these agreements and constitutional provisions.

Rio informed the Assembly that the state cabinet had already submitted a representation to the 22nd Law Commission, requesting an exemption from the UCC. He also mentioned discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who assured consideration of the matter.

However, Rio acknowledged that as an ally of the ruling NDA at the Centre, the state government could not oppose central government policies and decisions. He suggested that the Assembly could pass a resolution appealing to the Centre for a complete exemption of Nagaland from the UCC and the Forest Conservation Amendment Act.

Speaker Sharingain Longkumer announced that separate resolutions on both issues would be presented for consideration during the upcoming session.

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