The National president of the National People’s Party (NPP) and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, expressed concerns about the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in matrilineal societies and Northeast India. Sangma stated that it needs to be seen if the UCC exempts these societies and regions. The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) urged the Centre to thoroughly examine its decision to implement the UCC. The Union warned of possible protests, similar to those witnessed during the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

Sangma further commented that the concept of a Uniform Civil Code goes against the very idea of India, which is a diverse nation. He emphasized that India’s diversity is its strength and changing the unique cultures and traditions of the Northeast would be detrimental. The NPP, as a political party, believes that the UCC is against the essence of India.

The KSU’s general secretary, Donald V. Thabah, stated that the Centre should take into account the customary laws and practices of the tribal communities in the Northeast. He highlighted that the tribal population in Meghalaya follows their own customary practices related to inheritance, maintenance, divorce, social norms, and marriage, which may be affected by the UCC. The KSU’s concerns are echoed by various tribal communities.

In Meghalaya, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) will hold a meeting to discuss and finalize a draft petition expressing its opposition to the Centre’s proposal to implement the UCC. Other leaders, like the chief of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman, reserved judgment on the UCC until they had reviewed the draft.

The NPP is an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and leads the coalition government in Meghalaya. It also supports the BJP-led government in Manipur.