Srinagar, Sep 14: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Treasurer and Rajya Sabha member Shammi Oberoi on Monday opposed the BJP’s reported plan to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in 21 states, describing the move as a threat to India’s secular and pluralistic character.
Addressing media persons at the party headquarters, Oberoi reiterated the JKNC’s opposition to the proposed UCC, saying it could interfere with the personal laws, religious practices and traditions of different communities.
He said India’s strength lies in its religious, cultural and linguistic diversity and stressed that constitutional safeguards protecting the traditions and rights of different communities should be respected.
“Any attempt to impose a single uniform legal system on all sections of society could undermine the country’s fundamental pluralistic character,” Oberoi said.
The JKNC leader said the country’s democratic and secular identity was rooted in its diversity and called for protection of the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
He said the National Conference remained committed to constitutional, democratic, secular and pluralistic principles and would oppose measures that, according to him, undermine the rights or identities of India’s diverse communities.
Oberoi urged the Central Government to respect the religious sentiments and constitutional rights of all sections and called for an all-party meeting to facilitate wider consultation on the issue. He also cautioned against any attempt to implement the UCC without broad-based discussion.
