GUWAHATI: A delegation of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), led by its president and MLA Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Dispur on Wednesday, July 8 and submitted a memorandum urging the government to review the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), prevent wrongful pushbacks through due process, and ensure rehabilitation of families displaced by eviction drives.
In its memorandum, the AIUDF called for a review and repeal of the recently enacted UCC, alleging that certain provisions interfere with the religious practices, personal laws and customary traditions of the Muslim community.
The party argued that the legislation should be reconsidered in light of the constitutional guarantees under Articles 25 and 26, which protect freedom of religion and the rights of religious denominations to manage their own affairs. It also stressed that Articles 29 and 30, which safeguard the cultural and educational rights of minorities, should be taken into account while framing laws affecting the identity and traditions of different communities.
"We believe these concerns deserve reconsideration in light of the constitutional guarantee under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution of India, which protect the freedom of religion and the rights of every religious denomination to manage its own religious affairs. We also believe that the principles contained in Articles 29 and 30, which safeguard the cultural and educational rights of minorities, should be kept in mind while framing laws that affect the identity and traditions of various communities," the memorandum stated.
The AIUDF urged the government to hold consultations with all stakeholders and affected communities before taking any further steps on the legislation.
On the issue of illegal immigration, the party reiterated its support for strict legal action against illegal infiltrators and foreign nationals in accordance with the law.
"Detention, deportation, eviction or any other lawful action against persons who are not Indian citizens should continue without hesitation," the memorandum stated.
However, the AIUDF expressed concern over reports that genuine Indian citizens, particularly members of the Muslim community whose families have lived in Assam for more than a century and who possess valid citizenship documents, were allegedly subjected to wrongful detention or pushbacks.
Referring to the reported case of Sakira Khatun from Nalbari, the party alleged that she was pushed back to Bangladesh despite being an Indian citizen. It said the incident, which received widespread media attention, including coverage by the BBC, had raised serious concerns over verification procedures and the protection of citizens' rights.
The AIUDF urged the government to ensure that no genuine Indian citizen is subjected to detention or pushback without proper verification and due process of law.
The memorandum also called for comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement of families displaced by eviction drives across the state.
"Over the past two years, several eviction drives have displaced a large number of families across Assam. While the government has the authority to remove illegal encroachments in accordance with the law, it is equally important to ensure that the affected families are treated with dignity and humanity," the memorandum stated.
According to the party, many displaced families have been left without adequate shelter, children have been forced to discontinue their education, and several households continue to struggle for their basic livelihood.
The AIUDF urged the government to implement effective rehabilitation and resettlement measures, including access to housing, education, healthcare and other essential services. It also requested that no future eviction drives be undertaken without first ensuring proper rehabilitation, resettlement and suitable alternative accommodation for affected families.