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Farooq Abdullah warns of backlash if UCC is implemented
PM Narendra Modi’s comments on UCC have not gone down well with the leaders of political parties in Kashmir
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said that there could be backlash or storm if UCC is implemented.
His remarks come after the PM had said on Tuesday that there shouldn’t be separate laws for separate communities in the country. Modi added that India could not afford to run with the dual system of “separate laws for separate communities”
“Our country is diverse and so, they should rethink the implementation of UCC. People of different religions live here. Muslims have their own Shairat law and if they (Union government) implement UCC, there could be backlash or possible storm. So, they should rethink the consequences,” Farooq Abdullah told reporters outside Hazratbal Shrine after Eid prayers.
Valley leaders call UCC implementation ‘premature’
PM Narendra Modi’s comments on UCC have not gone down well with the leaders of political parties in Kashmir.
“Forming an opinion solely on the current status of UCC, which is in the stage of seeking public response, would be premature. Of course, we have reservations about UCC, especially looking at the overt majoritarianism of the ruling establishment. We will wait for the proposal to be brought in the parliament before we put our response in front of the people,” said Tanvir Sadiq, senior National Conference leader and chief spokesman.
He, however, said that before anything else, the country requires uniformity in education, healthcare and housing. “I believe the government should prioritise addressing these crucial issues,” he said.
Adnan Ashraf, senior leader and spokesperson of Peoples Conference said India takes pride in its diversity and imposition of UCC would undermine the essence of our ethos and rich cultural heritage.
“India’s strength lies in its ability to embrace pluralism and respect different customs and traditions. We must nurture dialogue and understanding, rather than enforce uniformity. Unity does not necessitate uniformity, it thrives on the celebration of diversity,” he said.
People’s Democratic Party additional spokesman Rafeeq Rather termed the issue very sensitive.
“The Party is going to reach a verdict on UCC after consultation with central leadership,” he said.
Apni Party vice-president Ghulam Hassan Mir said that irrespective of the timing for implementation of UCC, India is a vast country with people from different religions who are multi-lingual, multi-racial and have different cultural identities and implementing a uniform law needs discussions.
“BJP has been advocating for single law within the country. But its implementation in a country as vast as India shouldn’t be done in a haste. It needs broader consultation at every level. Our country is divided in different states and on various issues and if we are going to implement the same law, all the groups should be taken onboard and this law should be discussed properly,” he said.
