Muslim Community Protests Against Uniform Civil Code in Assam, Calls It a Threat to Religious Freedom

Cachar: A large number of members of the Muslim community staged a protest in Assam’s Cachar district against the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), expressing concern over what they described as an attack on religious freedom and constitutional rights.

The demonstration took place outside a mosque in Bairenga, where hundreds of local residents gathered after Friday prayers. Protesters raised slogans against the law and accused the government of specifically targeting Muslim personal laws under the guise of legal reform.

Addressing the gathering, former MLA Ataur Rahman Mazarbhuiya outlined the concerns of the community and criticized the manner in which the law has been introduced in the state. He argued that the UCC interferes with the religious and personal matters of Muslims and questioned the government’s justification for the move.

He rejected claims that Muslim personal law fails to protect women’s rights, stating that Islamic laws already provide safeguards and rights for women. He further argued that portraying the community as resistant to women’s welfare was misleading.

The former legislator also questioned the exclusion of Scheduled Tribe communities from the scope of the law. According to him, if the objective is to establish a uniform legal framework for all citizens, exempting certain groups raises questions about the principle of equality being cited in support of the legislation.

Referring to discussions surrounding polygamy, he said that Muslims are often unfairly singled out on the issue. He claimed that available survey data shows varying practices across different communities and regions, and therefore focusing only on one community is unjustified.

Several speakers at the protest highlighted the contributions and sacrifices made by Muslims during India’s freedom movement and in the country’s development. They emphasized that Muslims are loyal citizens and would continue to defend their constitutional and religious rights through peaceful and democratic means.

The protesters also cited Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and the right to practice one’s faith. They pledged to continue their campaign against the law through legal and democratic channels.

Meanwhile, the Assam government has continued to defend the Uniform Civil Code, stating that its objective is to bring greater uniformity in civil matters and strengthen legal protections, particularly for women.

However, the issue has sparked intense political and social debate across the state. Human rights advocates have cautioned that introducing such measures without adequately addressing the concerns of minority communities could increase feelings of insecurity and alienation.

With opposition to the law growing, legal challenges and further public demonstrations are expected in the coming weeks, keeping the debate over the Uniform Civil Code at the center of Assam’s political discourse.