CM ‘softens’ stand on UCC

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 27: Shifting from his earlier opposition, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday indicated a more flexible and relaxed position on the proposed Uniform Civil Code, citing comfort with recent laws enacted in Assam and Uttarakhand that exempted tribal customary laws.

Sangma, however, maintained that the Meghalaya government would reserve its final stand until it thoroughly examines the actual contents and framework of any proposed UCC.

Addressing reporters, the Chief Minister said he had consistently maintained that it was difficult to take a firm position on the UCC without seeing its exact provisions. He noted that the term “Uniform Civil Code” itself is broad and open to interpretation.

“My initial opposition stemmed from concerns that tribal customary practices and Meghalaya’s matrilineal system could be overridden by a national legal framework,” Sangma said.

He recalled that when the UCC was first discussed, there was widespread apprehension among tribal communities that their unique laws and traditions would be affected. However, after studying the UCC-related laws implemented in Assam and Uttarakhand, he expressed that he was “slightly more at comfort” because both states had specifically kept tribal customary laws outside their ambit.

Sangma added that the inclusion of safeguards protecting tribal rights has changed the context of the debate to some extent. Nevertheless, he stressed that Meghalaya would continue to examine any future proposal carefully from both legal and political angles before taking a final position.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state’s primary concern remains the protection of its matrilineal system and indigenous tribal customs.