Members of the Muslim community staged a peaceful protest in Assam’s Silchar town after Friday prayers, expressing opposition to the state government’s proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill and urging its withdrawal.The demonstration was held on Friday in the Berenga area and was organised by several religious and social organisations. A large number of worshippers gathered outside a local mosque after offering Friday prayers and voiced their concerns over the proposed legislation.Protesters carried petitions and placards calling for the withdrawal of the proposed Bill. They argued that the Uniform Civil Code, in its proposed form, was inconsistent with Muslim Personal Law and would affect the community’s religious and personal legal practices.
Addressing the gathering, speakers said the proposed legislation infringed upon the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and fundamental rights. They maintained that the implementation of the UCC would have a direct impact on matters governed by Muslim Personal Law, including issues relating to marriage, inheritance and family affairs.The speakers urged the Assam government to reconsider its proposal and withdraw the Bill. They said members of the community would continue to oppose the move through peaceful and democratic means while remaining committed to maintaining law and order. Organisers of the protest also appealed to the government to engage with stakeholders before taking any further steps on the proposed legislation.
The demonstration concluded without any untoward incident. Police and civil authorities monitored the situation, and normalcy was maintained throughout the protest. The Assam government’s proposal to introduce a Uniform Civil Code has triggered discussions and reactions from different sections of society, with supporters and opponents expressing differing views on its likely impact. Friday’s protest in Silchar was among the latest public demonstrations against the proposed Bill in the state.