HT Bureau
DIPHU, July 3: The Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) has called for the exclusion of the three hill districts of Assam from the proposed bill on Uniform Civil Code (UCC), urging the Central government to protect the cultural and social practices of the hill tribe people.
During a press conference held at the ASDC central committee office on Monday, ASDC Publicity Secretary Daniel Teron stated that a memorandum has been submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through the deputy commissioner of Karbi Anglong. The memorandum addresses concerns regarding the introduction of the UCC bill in Parliament.
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Teron read out the memorandum highlighting the historical independence of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong as separate states ruled by traditional chiefs. These regions, along with Dima Hasao, are inhabited by various hill tribes such as Karbis, Dimasas, Jeme Naga, Hmar, Tisa, Baite, Rengma Naga, Kuki, and Sangkichep. These tribes have distinct cultures, social practices, customary laws, languages, and customs.
He further explained that during British rule, these areas were designated as backward tracts in 1919, along with other hill areas inhabited by Nagas, Mizos, Khasis, Jaintia, and Garos. In 1935, Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong were declared partially excluded areas, while Dima Hasao was completely excluded. The Constitution of India incorporated the Sixth Schedule to grant certain political rights to these regions due to their unique cultural heritage, language, social practices, and food habits.
Teron highlighted that the creation of Nagaland state in 1963 and Mizoram state in 1987 provided constitutional protection for the social and religious practices, customary laws, and land ownership of the hill tribes residing there. However, the hill tribes of Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao in Assam lack such constitutional protection, leaving their culture, social practices, and religious traditions vulnerable.
“The ASDC demands that Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao be excluded from the proposed UCC bill and calls for the incorporation of a constitutional article similar to Article 371-A and 371-G for the protection of hill tribe people in Assam,” the memorandum said.
