Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the tribal communities of the state have been excluded from the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill passed by the state assembly on Wednesday because their existing customary laws already safeguard tribal women against polygamy and other forms of exploitation. He emphasized that the UCC will protect women from all religious groups, including Hindus and Muslims, by eliminating gender bias. Sarma also criticized the Congress party for opposing the bill, alleging that their stance amounts to supporting polygamy and insulting the suffering of first wives.
Reasons for Excluding Tribal Communities
In his speech in the House, Sarma explained, "Why have we kept the tribal communities outside the Uniform Civil Code? Because we have respected their civilisational background and traditions. We do not want to impose anything on them. Long before we introduced the UCC, through their customary rights and customary courts in a lawful and disciplined manner, these communities had already been regulating their social systems." He added that this is why distressed or neglected women are rarely seen in tribal societies, citing the Shah Bano case as an example of what is avoided. Sarma noted that tribal communities have addressed many social concerns much earlier than modern society began considering them. He pointed out that neglected or abandoned women are not commonly found in Bodo, Rabha, Mising, Karbi, and other tribal societies. "The community itself looks after and supports women facing difficulties," Sarma said. "An incident like the Shah Bano case would never be allowed to happen in our society," he affirmed.
Response to Opposition
Replying to opposition MLAs who questioned the exclusion of tribal communities from the UCC, Sarma stated that these communities have long protected and upheld the dignity of women through strong customary systems and collective social responsibility, adding that there is much to learn from them. He also said that the UCC in Assam will serve as a blow to 'love jihad', as any marriage solemnized through pressure, fraud, manipulation, or abuse will now invite legal action. "The legislation has covered the entire women fraternity with a Suraksha Kawach (protective shield)," Sarma said. He noted that both polygamy and 'love jihad' will now be under legal scrutiny through the UCC.
Criticism of Congress
Sarma dismissed the Congress party's opposition, stating that except for one Congress MLA, the remaining 18 MLAs represent a particular religion. "Except one MLA of Congress, the rest talk about their religion only. They do not have the will to speak about the community or the state," Sarma said. He was referring to eighteen of the 19 Congress MLAs, the largest opposition party, who are Muslims.
