Srinagar, 14 Sept (KNS) : The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Treasurer and Rajya Sabha Member Shammi Oberoi Monday rejected the BJP’s reported plan to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in 21 states, terming the move a serious blow to the secular character of the country.

He reiterated JKNCs stand of opposing impostiton of UCC in the country saying that the controversial proposed legislation would not only interfere with the personal laws, religious practices and centuries-old traditions of different communities, but could also adversely affect India’s unique religious and cultural identities.

In a statement issued , Shammi Oberoi said that India’s real strength lies in its pluralistic society and its rich cultural, religious and linguistic diversity. He said the constitutional safeguards available to different religions and communities with regard to their religious traditions, customs and personal matters must be respected. “Any attempt to impose a single uniform legal system on all sections of society could undermine the country’s fundamental pluralistic character,” he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Oberoi said that the beauty of India lies in its diversity, which forms the foundation of its democratic and secular identity. Instead of forcing the religious and cultural traditions of different communities into a uniform mould, he said, it was essential to ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.

He said the National Conference has always remained committed to India’s constitutional, democratic, secular and pluralistic principles and cannot support any measure that undermines the legitimate rights or identities of the country’s diverse religious and cultural communities.

He urged the Central Government to fully respect the religious sentiments, cultural traditions and constitutional rights of all sections while undertaking legislation. He called upon the government to convene an all-party meeting to facilitate a broad-based discussion and consultation on the issue and cautioned against attempting to implement the law through the backdoor.(KNS)