NPP opposes uniform civil code in Arunachal

The National People's Party of North East Arunachal Pradesh, the unit of the National People's Party NPP, has decided to oppose the immediate implementation of the uniform civil code UCC in the northeastern state. The decision was taken at the state executive meeting of NPP in Itanagar on Saturday, said NPP state general secretary Paknga Bage. Even though NPP is in alliance with the BJP on development issues, the regional party follows its own ideology, Bage said. Elaborating on the reason why the NPP is opposing the UCC, Bage said that despite Arunachal Pradesh having its own unique laws, the NPP has unanimously adopted a resolution to go with the customary laws with certain amendments. The state and central governments should focus on codifying the existing customary laws with necessary amendments to align them with tribal practices, he said. The UCC is a uniform set of laws on marriage, divorce and inheritance that would apply to all Indian citizens, regardless of religion, tribe or other local customs. On 14 June, the Law Commission launched a fresh Consultation process on the UCC by asking views from stakeholders, including public and recognized religious organizations, on the controversial issue. The other resolution adopted at the meeting was to put a demand for revocation of the New Pension Scheme by reintroducing the Old Pension Scheme, Bage said. The state working president of the regional party said that the resolutions adopted at its executive meeting would form the groundwork for Assembly polls in the state, which is due in 2024. The NPP is a secular party that does not discriminate against any individual or religious group. Its ultimate objective is to ensure the welfare and development of every citizen in the state, Saaya said. The NPP has four MLAs in the 60-member assembly of Arunachal Pradesh.