Kohima, July 9: A delegation of Naga leaders, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, met Union Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday to talk to him about various concerns of the state, including on the implementation of a UCC and the lack of progress in the Nagaland peace talks.

The delegation claimed assurance from the government that the Law Commission is considering the idea of excluding the Christian community in the state and “some tribals” from the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) legislation.

The spokesperson of the Nagaland government and an advisor to the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), K G Kenye said, “We apprised the Home Minister of Article 371 (A), which is applicable to Nagaland and is based on the 16-point agreement signed between the Naga tribes and the Government of India in July 1960. According to this agreement, as well as Article 371 (A), the freedom we exercise in our religious and cultural practices can’t be impinged upon by any Central law passed by Parliament. Only if such a law is also passed by the state Assembly as a resolution, can it become applicable to the state of Nagaland.”

Keny further said that “the Home Minister Amit Shah has assured us that excluding Christians (in Nagaland) and some tribal communities from the scope of a UCC is being considered by the Law Commission.”

He also said that the Naga delegation was “reassured and very happy” with the Union Home Minister’s response.

The 16-point agreement from 1960 is based on which Nagaland was conferred the status of a state in December 1963, this protects Naga customary laws, socio-religious practices, as well as land and resources.

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