Assam: AIUDF reiterates opposition to Uniform Civil Code, calls proposed law ‘discriminatory’

The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has reiterated its opposition to the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with party leader Rafiqul Islam describing the legislation as discriminatory and alleging that it seeks to impose laws that would adversely affect the Muslim community.

Speaking on the issue, Islam said the AIUDF has consistently opposed the Uniform Civil Code and continues to maintain the same position. He stated that the party's leadership, including its president, has expressed opposition to the proposed legislation.

“We have opposed the UCC in the past, and we oppose it today as well. Our party president has also opposed it,” Islam said.

The AIUDF leader further alleged that the proposed law was not a genuine Uniform Civil Code and described it as a “black law.” According to him, the legislation has been introduced with the intention of imposing laws of other communities upon Muslims.

Islam also questioned the exemption reportedly provided to tribal communities under the proposed framework. He argued that if the legislation was intended to be universally beneficial, exemptions for specific groups raised questions about its uniform applicability.

“If the law is so good, why were tribal communities exempted from it? If the law could affect their culture and traditions, then why are Muslims being targeted?” he said.

The remarks come amid ongoing debates over the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in Assam and other parts of the country. The proposal has generated differing responses from political parties, community organisations, and civil society groups, with supporters arguing that it would promote legal uniformity, while critics contend that it could affect religious and cultural practices protected under personal laws.

The AIUDF has maintained that any move towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code should take into account the concerns of minority communities and preserve constitutional safeguards relating to religious and cultural identity.