Mizoram: Cong will pass bill guaranteeing protection of land, forests, tribal rights

Guwahati: Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has flagged a threat to article 371G of the Indian Constitution which protects the Mizo way of life while promising a new bill in the very first session of the new assembly, guaranteeing the protection of the land, the forests and the rights of the tribal people of the state if it forms government in the state.

Highlighting the connection of ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) with the BJP, Mr Ramesh who was in Aizawl on Friday told reporters, “A government and a party that removed Article 370 can also remove 371G. It was inserted in February 1987 into the Constitution when Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister as a special provision to protect the Mizo way of life.”

He said, “It is the greatest contribution of the Indian National Congress to Mizoram that is under threat today. It is only the hand of sensitivity that understands the aspirations of the Northeast whereas the BJP is the party that wants One nation--One language; One nation-- One culture; One nation--One religion; and One nation--One party; is the BJP’s policy.”

It is significant that the scrapping of J&K’s special status had fuelled fear among six of the eight Northeastern states, including Mizoram, about the possible revocation of Article 371 (A to J) in the future. The article provides special constitutional protection to these states.

The Law Commission’s move to seek views on the uniform civil code (UCC) from stakeholders in June revived apprehension over Article 371 in the Northeast which is known for its religious and cultural diversity. Mizoram is a Christian-majority state.

In fact, the Mizoram state Assembly had earlier in the year (February 14) adopted a unanimous resolution opposing any attempt to implement the UCC as it “would disintegrate the country....” The UCC is a common set of laws applicable to all citizens irrespective of religion, dealing, among others, with issues related to marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption.

Mr Ramesh also announced that the Congress promises that the first session of the new Legislative Assembly of Mizoram led by the Congress will pass a new bill that guarantees to protect the land, the forests and the rights of the tribal people of the state.

As forests are in the concurrent list, this bill will be sent to the President of India for assent under the provision of Article 254(2), he said.

This is what the Mizo National Front (MNF) government should have done immediately after the Monsoon session of Parliament but didn't do it because it dances to the tune of the BJP, Mr Ramesh alleged.

The Congress leader said that the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) will also not pass such a bill as "they are a party without an ideology, without a programme or an organisation for the people of Mizoram, and will compromise with the BJP in no time".

Congress general secretary in a social media post said that the Modi government "bulldozed" amendments to the Forest Conservation Act during the monsoon session of Parliament that evoked tremendous opposition and outrage across the country, even more so in the northeast.

The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the Opposition Congress and the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) are three key players of the assembly polls in the state. All three parties have fielded candidates in all 40 seats.

Polling for the 40-member Mizoram assembly will be held on November 7, and the counting of votes will take place on December 3.