Let us debate Uniform Civil Code more intensely !! It's a legal matter and so more about justice and not Hindutva or majoritarinism

 

Experts believe the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) could make it easier for those who want to change to be irreligious! 

This may make things easier even for those who want to change or give up one religion or the other. This can make the material and legal implications of the 'options' easier to navigate. 

Problem with the present system is that there are inherent 'discrimination'. 

Being a Muslim especially for a woman is that the life is 'tied' by a particular set of divorce decrees which may lack the element of justice but which is guided by the yardsticks of faith and so-called traditional practices. On the other hand, being Hindu would mean the individual is trapped by 'birth' to a particular inheritance law. 

There are similar debatable issues with regard to Christians and for people from other religions. 

Of course, for BJP the UCC is linked to electoral politics because along with it two other agenda items Ram temple at Ayodhya and abrogation of Art 370 gave the party the votes and made it a force - perhaps globally - what it is today! And as politicians the saffron outfit's top guns deserve all benefits of doubt to play 'politics' as they are not into charity business running Teresa homes of Ramakrishna ashrams. 

The BJP now awaiting to make a hat-trick of electoral victory under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi also has to live up to its reputation. They are guided by popular sloganeering 'Modi hae toh Mumkin hain' and ' Modi Jo bolta hai woh karta hai”. These are assets and also liabilities.  

In 2014, the Hindutva champion had played a dream merchant and promised 'Acchey din' (Good Days); some of it were achieved like the Temple and abrogation of Art 370. But jobs remain a complain area and so are other challenges like agrarian crisis. 

Therefore, Team Modi needs to keep the cadres energised and also keep the RSS bosses happy that their agendas are being catered to. During last one week or so, gauging by the media hype and opposition to UCC from minorities and political detractors, the BJP karyakarta is more than happy! 

Taking these debates further, some Sangh Parivar strategists say -- "It is battle time, and world war-3 (reference to Modi's third time attempt to capture power), and so we cannot rely only one plan" to win a battle. The going could be tough and the BJP workers know it pretty well that only the tough gets going; the tough also needs good issues to sway public mind. The UCC is one of them. 

Technically it may be a legal subject related to jurisprudence and justice but the reactions from all corners suggest it is now a political hot patato -- a readily usable issue for polarisation. Mind you, with Ram temple and Art 370 already implemented on ground, the UCC is Modi's political compulsion. 

Political opponents may feel the Prime Minister is indulging in double speak. The BJP leaders cannot deny the allegation outright. Only a few days back, Mr Modi was in the US and also Egypt ( a large Muslim-based nation), here the cards were 'inclusive development' and to push Modi's image of a 'catalyst of modernity and transformation'. But back home, he needs to address to the core voters and hence the UCC issue was flagged off like a Pandora'x Box.   

India is a Republic and it follows parliamentary democracy. There is a key takeaway for pollsters that a decisive mandate in India have been given either to Indira Gandhi, her son Rajiv Gandhi and Narendra Modi (in 2014 and 2019)  and never to a coalition. This logic is certainly in favour of Modi and the opposition camp is still struggling to offer a sincerely face to the Indian voters. The UCC has made the divisions more open and on the other hand, it has made the 2024 Lok Sabha battle almost 'presidential' form as was in 2014. 

Either it is Modi or not -- also means you have got the temple and Art 370 was written off, and so to get UCC you need to vote for BJP yet again.

Therefore, some reasons for the BJP/Modi flagging off UCC at this juncture are obvious. For BJP, targeting the “other” always means targeting the tirade against Muslims and this "works better if not the best" to fetch votes.

And on this the Congress is in biggest dilemma because it is easily put in bracket with minorities – Muslims as well as Christians. The BJP remains identified with Hindu voters and for Sikhs, it is Aam Aadmi Party of Arvind Kejriwal --- that is in power in Punjab.

Look at one small benefit/impact of UCC card, the AAP says it supports such a code in principle. Most opposition parties like Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party are heavily inclined towards Muslims, so is RJD in Bihar and to an extent even Sharad Pawar-led NCP in Maharashtra. They may like to garner Hindu votes and will get a substantial numbers but polarisation has always boomeranged on them.

Hence, till now, the Uniform Civil Code as an election issue is hardly a liability for the BJP even as die-hard Congress protagonists such as Kewekhape Therie (a former Nagaland Minister and ex-state Congress chief), says UCC will prove as a Waterloo for the BJP. The real answer to this assertion lies in the womb of time.

ends

  

Therie 

Can Resignation fracas help 'rebrand' Politics of Biren Singh ?

Ibobi Singh played these games earlier and so did Modi in 2002

New Delhi 

Sea of womanity: Backing Biren Singh 

What unfolded on the streets of Imphal on June 30 easily makes Manipur's much embarrassed Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, a neo-powerful regional leader in ethnically sensitive violence-hit state.

Now that Biren Singh has himself in a suo motto move tweeted to announce that "I will not be resigning from the post of Chief Minister"; can BJP ever replace or

sack him in the immediate future?A sea of humanity or rather 'womanity' gathered around his residence and on the streets urging him not to step down. As many as 57-days of tension and continued violence and arson claiming about 120 lives are still not enough to call for his resignation.Even the resignation letter was torn off.

Demagogues are created like this. Do a little surfing on the net and you will note thata 'Demagogue' is defined as a political leader who seeks support by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people rather than by using rational argument.Well, a gifted demagogue has a particular skill in manipulating the press; here it is the social media.V P Singh had mastered it during Mandal days.

'Nagaland Page'

"As Biren's convoy attempted to leave the secretariat and head towards the Raj Bhawan to submit his resignation, thousands of protesting women swiftly intercepted and stopped his progress,"reports Imphal Free Press.

One enthusiastic and energetic woman admirer of Biren Singh told a national TV channel"In such a situation ...if the Manipur CM resigns, how will the people live here? Who will lead us? He has been leading us from the beginning of the conflict".

The fate is sealed. If Biren Singh has manipulated the show; as a political analyst of some years in the game,one ought to admire his maneuvering skills and the sense of timing.  

Meitei polarisaton leader : No 1 

For about two hours on Friday Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was dominating the social media with footage of supporters tailing him and the former MP trying to give a 'healing' touch; but within no time Biren Singhdominated the scene.A question would be asked even in weeks and months to come whether Biren Singh's high drama was plotted with hidden blessings of a section of BJP leadership in Delhi.

One should note that Biren Sngh is not the first 'polarised' Meitei leader. Some years back O Ibobi Singh had outsmarted even the suave P Chidambaram, the then Home Minister and Thuingaleng Muivah.

The NSCN-IM general secretary wanted to visit his native village Somdal and PC (Home Minister) green signalled the move on humanitarian grounds. A cool customer Ibobi during Delhi meet agreed about the plan and on return played up the Meitei people's most powerful card -- territorial integrity of Manipur and that -- if Muivah comes to his native village, that portion of land would be taken away by 'Nagas'.

All these things do not happen only in Manipur or with Meitei leaders. Our own Narendra Modiis a creation of that genre of polity. In 2002, within weeks of communal riots Modi made himself the Hindu Hriday-samrat (King of kings among Hindus). Till then the title was reserved for Bal Thackeray in Mumbai.

And once Modi became the symbol of 'pride' of 5 crore Gujaratis; the BJP leaders dare not touch him.A good reader of people's pulse L K Advani backed his disciple 'Namo' full steam and hence the heartburn of 2013 September 13th when Modi was declared as BJP's prime ministerial face was expected.

So far so good for Biren Singh. But the final ball is not yet delivered and hence like a cricket match we won't know which way the game will turn. 

Strategist Biren Singh 

Lastly, I always believe that crony journalism is a vice. But it has its prowess in this era of social media and politics ridden with conflicts. But crony journalism is not a mere cousin of 'crony capitalism' alone. The Journalism in the service of a particular ideology Leftist, anti-Americanism, anti-Modi or anti-Biren or pro-Biren are also with their respective dosages of malafide intent. It is equally dangerous.

Of all that goes on in Manipur now and all that went on in Gujarat in 2002; my moot point will be the need to enhance the readership's 'respect' for the media.  The only way to enhance the media's estimation in the eyes of the readers is by raising the quality of journalism. Be truthful and stick to the old definition of accuracy, balance and clarity.

Should we jump to the conclusion that the visit of a powerful Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had made Biren Singh nervous and forced him to resign? If someone said so, they have been proved wrong within a few hours.

ends  

 

'Pakistan secures critical $3bn nod from IMF in nick of time' - reports Dawn

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level pact with Pakistan on a $3 billion stand-by arrangement, the lender said, a decision long awaited by Pakistan, which is teetering on the brink of default. The deal — subject to approval by the IMF board in July — comes after an eight-month delay and offers some respite to Pakistan, which is battling an acute balance of payments crisis and falling foreign exchange reserves.

The $3bn funding, spread over nine months, is higher than expected for Pakistan. The country was awaiting the release of the remaining $2.5bn from a $6.5bn bailout package agreed in 2019, which expired on Friday (today). 

Here are some key facts about the agreement. The power sector has been specifically mentioned by the IMF, which called for a “timely” rebasing of tariffs to ensure that costs are recovered. This means hiking prices for consumers despite already record-high inflation in what is an election year.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) should withdraw import restrictions put in place to control external payments in the face of fast-depleting foreign exchange reserves, which had throttled economic growth. Reserves stand at $3.5bn — barely enough to cover a month’s worth of controlled imports.

Pakistan has been asked to commit fully to a market-determined exchange rate, remove controls and eliminate multiple exchange rate practices in different markets, even as the rupee has depreciated to record lows in recent weeks.

The SBP has also been asked to remain “proactive” to reduce inflation. The bank paused its rate hike process at a scheduled meeting this month. Days later, it implemented an off-cycle 100 basis point hike to take its policy rate to 22 per cent on the demand of the IMF.

Despite the larger-than-expected IMF bailout, the agreement stressed that Pakistan will have to continue to mobilise multilateral and bilateral financial support.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have pledged a combined $3bn that is expected to come in now that the IMF deal has materialised. Debt rollovers from China, the country’s largest creditor, will also be key.

Ensuring the materialisation and building of a spending framework for pledges secured earlier this year in an international donor conference will be key. Over $9bn in climate-related pledges were made to help Pakistan recover from devastating floods in 2022.

Pakistan needs $22bn to fund its external payment obligations, including international debt servicing, in the financial year 2024 — which starts on July 1 and ends on June 30, 2024.

Pak PM to attend SCO Virtual Summit at the invitation of Modi:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will participate in the 23rd Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a press release issued by the Foreign Office (FO) on Friday.

The FO said the CHS moot, the highest forum of the SCO, will be held in videoconference format on July 4 (Tuesday).

“The invitation to the prime minister to attend the SCO-CHS was extended by the prime minister of India in his capacity as the current chair of the SCO,” the press release reads. It added that PM Shehbaz’s participation “illustrates the high importance that Pakistan attaches to the SCO, as an important forum for regional security and prosperity, and enhanced engagement with the region”.

File snap: But no good memories 

High drama at Imphal : Manipur CM Biren Singh not to resign !!

 At this crucial juncture, I wish to clarify that I will not be resigning from the post of Chief Minister.
tweets @NBirenSingh 

Voices emerge in support of Manipur CM Biren Singh outside his residence in Imphal.
"We do not want the CM to resign, he should not resign. He is doing a lot of work for us. We are in giving support the CM," says the locals of Manipur

resignation letter : torn by supporters

Another woman supporter said: "We have been under a situation of turmoil since 2 months. We are looking for the day when the Govt of India and Manipur will resolve this conflict in a democratic manner. In such a situation if the Manipur CM resigns, how will the people live here? Who will lead us? He has been leading us from the beginning of the conflict. I do not want him to resign. We trust him".

Was the drama planned with Delhi blessing ?

A large crowd of people gathered outside CM Biren Singh's residence urging him not to step down.

Further women force also blocked the road leading to the Governor's residence pressurizing him not to step down, which lead him to tear down his resignation letter in front of the mob before reaching the Governor's House and heads back to his residence.

Earlier a meeting between Chief Minister Biren Singh and Govorner Anusuiya Uikey was scheduled to take place between 2:00-3:00 PM on June 30 and Singh had tendered his residence.

Sources at CM's office further reveal that Biren Singh has not been asked by the Central leadership to resign, however, the decision comes after the chief minister was hurt by the protest held by women in Imphal holding dead bodies on June 29.

Mega UCC push : Uttarakhand draft ready, Centre likely to table a Bill on Uniform Civil Code during Monsoon session of Parliament

 "In more than a dozen cases, the Supreme Court has said that Uniform Civil Code (UCC) should be implemented as soon as possible. The court has repeated this time and again. I don't understand why the same age for marriage can't be fixed for Hindus and Muslims. 

It is being propagated that the UCC will affect religious customs and rituals. If criminal law is the same for all people in the country, then why can't civil law be that way?," chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice & BJP MP Sushil Modi

("It gives me immense pleasure to inform you that the drafting of the proposed Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand is now complete. The report of the expert committee along with the draft will be printed and submitted to the Government of Uttarakhand": Retd Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, member of the UCC draft committee )

The Modi Govt is likely to table a Bill on Uniform Civil Code during the forthcoming Monsoon session of Parliament. 

Few important areas will be impacted across socio-religious groups. 

It is understood that the proposed UCC will impact the Christian personal law such as inheritance, adoption, and succession. 

The Succession Act of 1925 gives Christian mothers no right in the property of their deceased kids. 

All such property as per present law are inherited by the father. This provision would also be abolished if UCC comes in.

Section 10A(1) of the Christian Divorce Law makes the separation period of two years mandatory for any couple to get a mutual divorce, but if UCC comes in, this would be universal. 

Though in many quarters, the UCC is being seen as a Hindu-non Hindu, essentially it is not.

Experts say the implementation of the UCC is likely to 'subsume personal laws' across all communities in the country.

Here we have a few classic instances -- and sadly these issues are not being debated in the din of scoring political points.

Under Christian law, a woman has to prove cruelty as well as adultery to obtain a divorce from her husband. 

* Under Muslim law, adultery is not recognised as a ground for divorce by a woman unless it can be proved that the husband committed adultery with "women of evil repute or leads an infamous life".

* Hindu law allows the husband to seek divorce for adultery. But the wife has to prove cruelty or desertion along with adultery to get a divorce. 

The period of separation and abandonment by the husband, at which the wife can seek divorce, are different in various religions. For Hindus, it is two years, while Muslims allow four years.

In 2015, the Supreme Court noted that Christian women are "not recognised as natural guardians" of their own children under Christian law, even though Hindu unmarried women are considered the "natural guardian" of their child. The UCC is expected to do away with these discrepancies. 

There is no specific statute enabling or regulating adoption among Christians in India. Under Islamic law, adoption is not recognised.

Hindu law treats an adopted child equivalent to a natural-born child.

However, individuals from Islam and Christianity can adopt a child from an orphanage by obtaining permission from the courts under the Guardians and Wards Act.

Article 44 of The Constitution of India says, the State (that is the central government) shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India". 

One school of thought says, the UCC would promote national integration and secularism by creating a common identity and sense of belonging among all citizens.
It would also reduce the communal and sectarian conflicts that arise due to different personal laws.

Challenges include - How do one find a common ground and uniformity among the vast diversity in India?

Moreover, many personal laws are not codified or documented, but are based on oral or written sources that are often ambiguous or contradictory. There have been resistance from Religious and Minority Groups.

Many religious and minority group's view UCC as an 'infringement' on their religious freedom and cultural autonomy.

India asks China for the first time to abide by 2016 South China Sea ruling

It is seen as an important development in international relations. India and Vietnam have underlined the need for peaceful settlement of disputes and for "adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea". 

The statement came at the end of four-day visit of  Scretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines  Mr. Enrique A. Manalo from June 27 and his successful round of discussions with External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar,

In July 2016, an arbitration tribunal set up under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea had ruled in favour of the Philippines government in response to a petition filed against China. It may be stated that Beijing is against Washington's 'interference' and even military exercises in South China sea.

In fact, China claims almost the entire sea as "its territory" and says disputes should be left to countries in the region to settle without outside interference.

The United States and India have declared themselves “among the closest partners in the world” last week during the state visit to Washington by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The US now says it expects a greater partnership with India in the South China Sea.

Importantly yet again, Daniel Kritenbrink, United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, told Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies that “Large countries should not bully smaller ones”.

Asked whether India would have a growing role in the South China Sea, Kritenbrink said “Yes,” adding that there would be greater collaboration among a group of regional powers - the U.S., India, Japan and Australia - known as the Quad. “We will welcome cooperation with any country that embraces that vision. That of course includes India,” Kritenbrink said. 

China had not participated in the arbitration process and refused to 'recognise' the 2016 judgment. India’s response so far had been soft or muted and even a cautious one. But now that stance has improved vis-a-vis the Joint Commission chaired by External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar and the Filipino secretary for foreign affairs, Enrique A. Manalo in New Delhi. 

The visiting Filipino dignitary reiterated the Philippines’ position in a speech delivered at the Indian Council for World Affairs on Wednesday. “We successfully won the case in 2016. Unfortunately, China does not recognise the award. We and many countries across the world consider the arbitral award as final and binding,” Manalo said. 

For its part, India is not a 'South China Sea claimant', but it has in the last few years enhanced security ties in the region, signaling its intent to play a bigger role.

These are seen as joint endeavors of  both the US and India seeking to counter China. India’s navy this week also said it was sending an active duty missile corvette to Vietnam as a gift, the first warship it has given to any country. 

The Joint statement also said both the Ministers emphasized the utility of maritime domain awareness, and in this context called for early operationalization of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the White Shipping Agreement between the Indian Navy and the Philippines Coast Guard.

They looked forward to the signing of the MoU on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) as well. Last year, India signed an agreement with the Philippines for the sale of Brahmos missiles.

Experts in China, however, say it would be an overstretch for India to get involved in the South China Sea issues given its insufficient military strength and its limited number of warships. 

An article in the Chinese tabloid 'Global Times' says India’s supposed extended presence in the South China sea would “complicate[s] the situation and jeopardize[s] the hard-won stability and peace by increasing their footprint in the region”.

China has called the tribunal award null and avoid.

After the ruling in July 2016, in its initial reaction, India was more guarded and merely urged all parties to show utmost respect for the UNCLOS. 

Upholding the Philippines’ case against China, the tribunal had called Beijing’s nine-dash line, which claims sovereignty over 90 per cent of SCS waters, and its reclamation activities in Philippine waters, unlawful.

ends 

 

 

Frontier Nagaland Territory debate: Is CM Rio trapped between devil and deep blue sea ?

 Evasive politics and 'secretive' style no longer offer salvation tricks

New Delhi

One feels sad and to a large extent baffled that all these are happening to a friend.
One time he was a 'modest' MLA focused on his family and the welfare of Northern Angami II. He was assertive and would often lodge complaint with the then Chief Minister Vamuzo for having promised him "...we all will be ministers". 

But he was later left leaking his wounds as a mere NIDC chairman.  He played on like a good and disciplined test match batsman with patience and then came the golden hours.

In 1998, he became the Home Minister and S C Jamir's No. 2. A few previous No. 2 under Jamir faced their political obit too soon -- I K Sema, T A Ngullie and Shikiho and also K L Chishi. But Neiphiu Rio changed the course of the game. Jamir lost the 2003 polls and the rest is history.

A friendly pose in Delhi's official residence

But 'history' has taken a full circle and is now haunting him. Is it not ? What will be the legacy Mr Rio leaves behind? Like this journo several political compatriots are puzzled and displeased by the manner the incumbent Chief Minister played his games. Hours before the much awaited June 30 meeting was put off for the time being at least -- NPF leader Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu issued a strong statement saying the members of the 14th Nagaland Assembly are going to leave behind a "legacy of disintegration of Nagaland".  

'Nagaland Page'

Azo is from Phek district and could be in the NPF, but he has been a Rio-loyalist in the past and has not been harsh with his old boss even during election campaigns. And when the meet was postponed as intimated by the CM's dutiful Home Commissioner; everyone was whispering -- 'Ki hoise ho? ---- What made Rio cancel the June 30 consultative meeting on Eastern Nagaland?

Let us presume one reason is the Chief Minister has to rush to Delhi or will be out of Nagaland. Then why was such a meet called at all without doing proper homework or assessing everything? Secondly, did the Chief Minister develop cold feet because none of the 'important leaders' were going to attend?  

The ENPO made an appeal on June 27. "We hope to move forward courageously with the prayers and blessings of our fellow Nagas for a future where we can be equal contributors to the prosperity of our Naga fraternity", the appeal note said.

The cancellation of the meeting suggests there was the possibility that even '20 MLAs' would be under pressure to take a different stance in the meeting.

Was there an apprehension that 39 MLAs from central Nagaland and Tenyimia belts (excluding Rio himself) could kick off a major row?

The very concept of Frontier Nagaland Territory as an idea is already agreed to by the centre, at least that is the assurance given. As someone who has been witness to Rio's style of politics and 'success', we know the Chief Minister has his own mind. When it comes to crux of the situation; Mr Rio is 'very secretive' andhis words and actions would often have double or even triple meaning.

One official who has seen Rio's brand of politics and successful maneuvering of 'UPA and NDA shenanigans'; says often Rio's right hand does not know what left hand is doing. This is like a Guru Mantra with many successful politicians. Late J B Jasokie used to say, "What I do in politics even my shadow or my wife should not know, that is politics".

Another keen observer of Nagaland politics said, Rio learned many things so seriously from his mentor Jamir.  But now possibly the Chief Minister is almost sandwiched. 

But mind you, this 'sandwiched' theory is also our presumption only. The entire thing -- summoning of the June 30 meet or calling it off -- might have been well planned by Rio himself. And whatever is happening may suit him in the ultimate analysis.

Jamir era: Veteran leader with Speaker Neiba Ndang and LoP Vamuzo

Rio's political mentor S C Jamir used to thrive in the 1990s with his famous oneliner - "I am the most harassed and longest surviving Naga politician". Rio is lucky, while he has been 'surviving' and even stalwarts like K V Pusa, Chingwang, Imkong, K L Chishi  and K Therie could not unseat him during 10 years of Congress rule in Delhi. But he is hardly 'harassed'. 

Even the media handles him with love; and a few odd guys like this scribe could criticise him but still regard him as a 'friend' at a personal level. 

Political opponents during Hokishe Sema, S C Jamir and Vamuzo days were more ruthless. In the contemporary settings, Rio's supposed rivals are 'more practical' and they easily bow down before the man in power who is also considered 'more than just resourceful'.

But every trick in politics would come to an end one day. That's the beauty of politics. V P Singh fell to this bitter truth of life and power-politics; and so have many other political maestros. India's most overestimated economist and under estimated politician Dr Manmohan Singh also faced his nemesis in 2014.

But what's the price Nagas have to pay in the entire drama is more important. K Therie says, "My friend has forgotten how to smile". A few others will agree with him. The Rising People's Party (RPP) once called him a 'prisoner of BJP". In his victory lies hidden the cause of his 'unhappiness' ? Is this the fate of a five-term Chief Minister ?

How would Tenyimia people ultimately judge their leader if in the 40-member assembly, central Nagaland dominates the scene with 25 MLAs ? Spinmasters may say 'delimitation' may come soon and Tenyimia seats will increase. Firstly, that's only a consolation prize and secondly, the delimitation exercise is a long drawn process with many ifs and buts. Even Central Nagaland or tribes such as Sema can have more number of MLAs in future.

From the media at this juncture, we may send sympathies to the 'friend' -- who is at the top; but possibly he is alone.

ends   

PM Modi's Uniform Civil Code has struck one target: It has exposed the inherent divisions in Opposition camp

A simple thing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Uniform Civil Code card has achieved is it has triggered the debate on the nationwide and in the process exposed the division among the opposition parties.

  

Firstly, Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party has said it is not opposed to the UCC. 

Aam Aadmi Party general secretary Sandeep Pathak said, his party supports uniform civil code “in principle”. Another vocal leader Sanjay Singh tried to cover up and said the Centre must first reveal details of the bill and hold a discussion with all parties,

The fact of the matter is only Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM, Farooq Abdullah’s National Conference, The Indian Union of Muslim League and Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP, are in a position where they can oppose the concept. Others are not in a position to take a stand so easily or openly.

The Modi's UCC card has unleashed a new kind of challenge --- if these parties oppose UCC, they run the risk of losing Hindu votes, and if they support UCC, they may have to face the anguish of Muslim voters as well some Christian voters.

So a clever refrain is, let the Centre come with the draft bill first. Even Congress leader P Chidambaram says the UCC is desirable but cannot be imposed.

"A UCC is an aspiration. It cannot be forced on the people by an agenda-driven majoritarian government," he wrote in a tweet message. 

The former Home Minister and Finance Minister also tweeted, "A family is knit together by blood relationships.  A nation is brought together by a Constitution which is a political-legal document. Even in a family there is diversity. 

The Constitution of India recognised diversity and plurality among the people of India....The Hon'ble PM is making it appear that UCC is a simple exercise. He should read the report of the last Law Commission that pointed out it was not feasible at this time."

Among other parties NCP working president Praful Patel said, his party does not oppose UCC, but the Centre should come with the details first.

Top Muslim ulema, including those from All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind have already opposed UCC bu they too are caught in a dilemma as they know the issue could ensure Hindu polarisation in favour of BJP.

"The emphatic manner in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed the uniform civil code issue on Tuesday, is indicative that the government has already made up its mind on UCC. Parliament’s monsoon session may begin on July 17, and if the government introduces a draft bill on UCC, Congress and other opposition parties will be caught in a bind," says senior journalist and TV anchor Rajat Sharma. 

Of course, Modi's Kashmir bill in August 2019 seeking abrogation of Art 370 created major fissures in the opposition camp. Some parties were compelled to support and leaders such as Bhubaneswar Kalita (from Assam) decided to quit the Congress party.  Thus this time, too, Modi may force the opposition parties to fall in line.

Uniform Civil Code was BJP's third mega promise to the people of India since the inception of 'Hindutva-based nationalistic' politics of Jana Sangh. The two other promises were a grand Ram Temple at Ayodhya - the birthplace of God Ram and secondly, the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

  

Why Sickularism gang feels frustrated ?

Russia briefly had emerged a source of 'contention' between India and the US. But the right kind of balancing act and tightrope walking was done. Thus, this did not matter much to Joe Biden and his administration. Hence the issue did not figure to hit headlines during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent US visit.

snap credit AP/The Guardian 

Both Modi admirers and the opponents believe the optics of Modi being given full honours by the US president are also likely to play well to the Indian electorate. "Modi is expected to win a third term in office and his popularity is credited in part to an image among voters that he has made India into a respected player on the world stage and is now courted by powerful western leaders," says a piece in London-based 'The Guardian'.  

Modi's supporters have an argument to convince themselves that India hardly got the due 'recognition' as a global player earlier under Congress and other regional-parties regimes; and now the Prime Minister has made a difference and New Delhi is much sought after in the comity of nations and is being a recognition and even 'role it deserved'.

Tanvi Madan, director of the India Project at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC, says, "Modi seems to believe that endorsements from the US, far from generating a backlash, generate a sense of optimism that this is India’s moment.”  The same thought process is making Indian opposition parties crazy.

Therefore, it was not without good reasons that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had pitched in strongly trying to drive home a point in the United States days before PM's scheduled visit that minorities are not safe in India and that there were other human right limitations in India. 

But to their utter frustration, the game flopped. The US played safe and cool and Biden performed as one of the best hosts in the world.

The Americans are most pragmatic people on the globe. Democracy and human rights do not matter to them more than 'their national interest'.

The US has been doing business comfortably with military dictators, quasi- or undemocratic countries. Ans so the glue that is binding the top levels of the two governments in Delhi and Washington will continue as 'together' they have to deal with the bigger question called China.

On this backrop, we have to take a closer view of the column in Pakistan's premier daily 'Dawn'.

"As with Zia, US now needs Modi", -- goes the headline of the article penned by Dawn's New Delhi representative Jawed Naqvi.

"As Pakistanis were handed falsehoods about the imminent restoration of democracy, its military ruler hanged the deposed prime minister and became a geopolitical plank to expel the Soviet Union from Afghanistan. The nexus became a significant factor in the eventual fall of the Soviet empire.

The question arises particularly after Modi’s state visit last week at President Joe Biden’s invitation whether, as with Zia in the 1970s-80s, he was also being courted to don a role for the US, with a view to somehow weaken China," says Naqvi.

'Dawn' Link

However, irrespective of the argument made out in 'Dawn'; there are other facts of life that neither Narendra Modi nor Joe Biden can avoid.

In the US, the Indian diaspora is now one of the largest immigrant groups – second only to Mexicans – and its members occupy influential positions in tech, business, banking and law, and some have even become well-known faces in Hollywood -- as pointed out in 'The Guardian'. 

On the other hand, India has benefited indirectly from its nuanced positioning on the Russia-Ukraine war. The Modi government went against US and even other Quad partners and declined to condemn Vladimir Putin's adventurism.

In the process, India has become the 'biggest buyer' of cheap Russian oil.  This has an impact on Indian's economy at the time of recession and tough conditions on the financial front.

Observers say, though belated the 'consensus' among analysts is that the Biden administration has now accepted India’s "deep-rooted relationship Russia" -- all that is more of a legacy issue. The Modi-Putin friendship cannot be singled out.

Therefore, there is an appreciation to what India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar keeps saying, "India is always on the side of India's interest".

In fact, now it is also believed that it has even hastened US cooperation with India on defence to help New Delhi become less dependent on Russia.

 

Sounding poll bugle in Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi pitches for Uniform Civil Code

Sounding the poll bugle in Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, June 27 made a strong pitch for Uniform Civil Code in the country. 

 “You tell me, in a home, how can there be one law for one member and another law for another member?” Modi said interacting with BJP workers at a function organised under party’s ‘Mera Booth Sabse Majboot’ campaign.

“Will that home be able to function? Then how will the country be able to function with such a dual (legal) system? We have to remember that even in India’s Constitution, there is a mention of equal rights for all.” Even the Supreme Court has advocated for a UCC, he pointed out. 

He also termed the mega conclave of Opposition parties in Patna last Friday to stitch an anti-BJP alliance for 2024 Lok Sabha polls as a mere “photo-op”.

Modi further said that those supporting ‘triple talaq’ were doing a grave injustice to Muslim daughters and that Pasmanda Muslims, who are backward, are not even treated as equals because of vote bank politics.

Modi asserted that BJP has decided it would not adopt the path of appeasement and vote bank politics, adding that the policy of appeasement practised by some is “disastrous” for the country.  

The UCC will override personal laws of different religions, but those practicing vote bank politics are opposing it, Modi said. 

Opposition parties including the Congress hit out at Modi for raising issues like UCC only to divert attention from the real issues of unemployment, price rise and Manipur violence.

Uniform Civil Code refers to a set of overarching laws that apply to everyone in the country and replaces religion-based personal laws, rules of inheritance, adoption and succession.

Modi further hit out against those supporting ‘triple talaq’, saying that the practice was abolished even in Pakistan.

“Whoever speaks in favour of triple talaq are hungry for votebank and are doing injustice with the Muslim daughters, their parents, brothers.  If it was connected to Islam then it would not be stopped by any Muslim dominated country. Muslim dominated countries have also abolished the practice of triple talaq. I was in Egypt the day before yesterday. It has over 90 percent Sunni population and about 90 years ago, they abolished the practice of triple talaq,” he said.

“If triple talaq is an important aspect of Islam, then why is it not practiced in Pakistan, Indonesia, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Bangladesh? These are all Muslim countries that have abolished it.” 

Triple talaq is a noose put around Muslim daughters by the people who want to snatch their liberty away and this is the reason the Muslim daughters stand with BJP, he said. “Muslim of India have to understand which political party is trying to misguide Muslims and use them,” the PM added. 

Votebank politics has spoiled the lives of the Pasmanda Muslims but nobody wants to talk about it, he said, about the plight of the most marginalised section of Indian Muslims.

“The Pasmanda Muslim community till today does not live in equality, they are backwards. …. They are backward and face discrimination. The damage of this discrimination is faced by multiple generations but the BJP is working with the intention of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’. They are getting benefits of the Ayushman Bharat and the PM Awas Yojna which our workers will go and explain to them,” Modi said.

What made Naga CM Rio cancel June 30 meet on Eastern Nagaland; Centre keen for 'surrender' by Naga Ug workers in ENPO region

 Centre keen to demand 'surrender' by Naga national workers in ENPO region

New Delhi 

In a fast paced development, the central government is keen to demand 'surrender and laying down of arms' by Naga national workers in Eastern Nagaland.

Sources say as part of the package deal for Frontier Nagaland; something on these lines may be worked out along with conceding to a few key demands from the Eastern Nagaland Public Organisation (ENPO). On the other hand, the ENPO leaders have submitted a 20-point 'wish list' to the Home Ministry and these demands are expected to be discussed further in Guwahati at the earliest. 

"Nothing has been finalised yet...," a source said in Delhi on speculation about the status of police chief or other such things for the proposed Frontier Nagaland Territory. The centre will however, bank a lot on respective tribal leadership among the seven tribes to sustain necessary pressure on the militants. Most Naga militant groups in the Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) are headed by underground leaders from Eastern Nagaland.

'Nagaland Page'

The Eastern Nagaland Public Organisation (ENPO) leaders had met Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Delhi last week. The seven tribes from the region - Konyaks, Sangtams, Changs, Phoms, Khiamniungans, Yimchungrus and Tikhirs are demanding creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory as an autonomous body with adequate financial powers and also an elected legislature.

The Konyak Union also held a meeting on Tuesday to deliberate on matters related to Frontier Nagaland. "Solution to the Indo-Naga problem is the only answer to the perennial burden on the people. said M B Neokpao Konyak of NSCN-Unification on March 21 (Naga Republic Day). The NSCN-Unification led by Neokpao Konyak and N Kitovi Zhimomi is the principal force behind NNPG which is all for an early signing of a final peace pact with the Govt of India. Kitovi is the convener of the NNPG.

Various underground leaders are also likely to have detailed consultation among themselves and respective tribal leadership by weekend. The ENPO is asking for major departments to be allotted to the Frontier Nagaland Territory.

Meanwhile, anxious moments have gripped the 20 elected legislators and ministers on their immediate and long term political futures.  However, amid all these, there is a big debate about financial feasibility as well because in general the centre is in favour of cutting down expenditures.

ends

June 30 meeting cancelled:

The crucial June 30 meeting on Eastern Nagaland which was expected to be attended by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy CMs - T R Zeliang and Y Patton and all legislators and other ministers have been now "postponed due to unavoidable reasons till further notice", according to state Principal Home Secretary, Abhijit Sinha. 

The meeting was slated to discuss the provisions of granting an autonomous body to seven tribes of Eastern Nagaland. Speculation is obviously rife on why the meeting was first of all convened and secondly after it has been called, now it has been 'postponed' or maybe even cancelled for the time being. 

One reason could be maybe Chief Minister and senior Ministers might have some important engagements outside Nagaland.  

Notably, hours before the meeting was put off for the time being at least -- NPF leader Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu issued a strong statement saying the members of the 14th august House of Nagaland Assembly are going to leave behind a "legacy of disintegration of Nagaland". 

He also stated that “If the Govt of India is prepared to talk about autonomous council/regional council for the ENPOs, why not the Kukis or the Nagas of Manipur.”

Blogger in Mon district near Oting village

A 'new dawn' of peace was expected from Modi, time to act now, says Jamir

 "Manipur incidents are only like symptoms"  

New Delhi 

Amid reports that the central government could be initiating steps on Eastern Nagaland and political Solution to the Naga issue in the run up to Monsoon session of Parliament, veteran Naga leader S C Jamir says "much hope was generated" from the Modi government.

'Nagaland Page' link

"I should say so much hope was generated at the time of signing two agreements, the Framework Agreement in 2015 and the Agreed Position in 2017. It was expected that a new dawn of peace and stability would usher in this troubled torn Nagaland," Jamir said adding, "Therefore, it is now more than high time to act as next year's Lok Sabha elections are not far off".

"Years rolled by .... nothing happening and now unfortunately there is a tremendous trust deficit towards the Government of India. Hope New Delhi understands the importance of urgency," he said.

Answering a question, he told 'Nagaland Page', "If no Solution is arrived at before 2024 elections we may expect a situation that may affect the security of the entire region and the country. Maybe I should caution Manipur incidents are only like a symptom. Hence my point yet again is that the Naga political Solution must be given a top priority". 

However, there are some quarters suggesting that efforts are still on to delay the peace talks -- now by citing the disturbance in Manipur. On several occasions the final rounds of discussions have been avoided by stating there are elections in some states or the others. 

Embarrassed Army seeks mass cooperation in Manipur

Days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah held the all-party meet where several leaders demanded replacement of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, even the security forces are now unable to discharge their duties professionally.

Women mob prevented security forces ;last week to operate effectively and also led to the release of 12 armed militants. Now the Army authorities have made an appeal through social media.

"Women activists in Manipur are deliberately blocking routes and interfering in Operations of Security Forces.  Such unwarranted interference is detrimental to the timely response by Security Forces during critical situations to save lives and property. The Indian Army appeals to all sections of the population to support our endeavours  in restoring peace," tweeted the Indian army through its handle SpearCorps.

Decades back in Dec 1995, months before BJP got Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the country's Prime

Minister for the first time, veteran saffron party leader L K Advani had described the situation in 

northeast as "unprecedented peril".

In the Mumbai session of the BJP national executive, Advani had said "Pt Nehru bequeathed to us Kashmir, Mrs Gandhi (Indira) left behind Punjab, Rajivji gave India the mess called LTTE. And now Prime Minister Rao, apart from further complicating the muddle in Kashmir, has been making his own contribution to the North East". 

Advani had referred to alleged colluding of one chief minister with 'terrorists' and that an ex-Army officer and a Governor had to bow out of office because no action was taken against Congressmen by the Centre.

Now in 2023 -- 27 years after - we find Congress leaders making use of 'select words and phrases' against Prime Minister Narnedra Modi and his ministerial colleagues.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has said, while Manipur is "burning", Prime Minister Modi is "silent", Home Minister Amit Shah has become "ineffective" and state Chief Minister N Biren Singh is "non-functional". 

“Party may be different but he is our prime minister. If the PM feels that Manipur is a part of this country, why did he not mention a single word? This is questionable. We are not saying this as Opposition,” said O. Ibobi Singh, a three-time former chief minister of Manipur, 

ends