Protesters called for repeal of the divisive UCC, Citing Threat to the Religious Freedom and Cultural Identity
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — In a powerful display of dissent, hundreds of members of Uttarakhand’s Muslim community gathered in Haridwar on Saturday to protest against the recently implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The demonstration was organised by the Muslim Seva Sangathan, in which protesters demonstrated outside the Collectorate office demanding the immediate withdrawal of the law, which they say undermines their religious freedoms and cultural practices.
The UCC, a contentious legal framework aimed at standardising personal laws across all religions, was implemented in Uttarakhand on January 27. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government hails it as a step toward national unity and gender equality, the Muslim community argues that it disregards their religious traditions and imposes a homogenised legal system that conflicts with their faith.
“We are not against the law of the land, but the UCC directly violates our religious rights and personal laws,” said Mohammad Rizwan, a prominent member of the Muslim Seva Sangathan, addressing the crowd. “This law was imposed without consulting us, and it must be repealed immediately.”
The protesters, carrying placards and chanting slogans, submitted a memorandum to the Governor through Haridwar Tehsildar Priyanka Rani, who accepted it on behalf of the administration. The memorandum outlined their grievances and called for the law’s revocation.
“We will not rest until our voices are heard,” said Rizwan. “The government must understand that this law is not in the interest of our community. It threatens our identity and our way of life.”
The protest remained peaceful, with heavy police presence ensuring no untoward incidents. Barricades were set up around the Collectorate office, and officers patrolled the area to maintain order. “We have deployed sufficient security to ensure the protest remains peaceful. The situation is under control,” said a senior police official.
The UCC has been a polarizing issue in Indian politics for decades. Proponents argue that it promotes equality, particularly for women, by providing a uniform legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. However, critics, especially from the Muslim community, view it as an attack on their religious autonomy.
“The Uniform Civil Code disregards our personal choices and our religion. We feel threatened by this move,” said Naseem Ahmad, a protester. “We want the government to revoke this law, as it is not in the interest of our community.”
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami defended the UCC, stating, “The Uniform Civil Code is a step towards creating a more just and unified society. It is not an attack on any community but an effort to ensure that all citizens are treated equally under the law.”
Despite the government’s assurances, the Muslim community remains unconvinced. The protest in Haridwar is part of a broader wave of opposition to the UCC, with similar demonstrations expected in other parts of the state and country.
The Muslim Seva Sangathan has vowed to continue its campaign against the UCC, calling for nationwide mobilization. “This is just the beginning. We will not back down until the government listens to our concerns,” said Rizwan.
The controversy over the UCC highlights the deep divisions in Indian society over issues of religion, identity, and governance. As the debate intensifies, the Uttarakhand government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of the Muslim community and other religious minorities.
The implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand has also sparked discussions in other BJP-ruled states, with Gujarat forming a committee to explore its adoption. The outcome of these developments could have far-reaching implications for India’s legal and social landscape.
For now, the protest in Haridwar serves as a stark reminder of the challenges of balancing national unity with religious diversity. As tensions rise, the government’s response will be crucial in determining whether the UCC becomes a symbol of equality or a source of division.
The Muslim community’s opposition to the UCC is rooted in a deep-seated fear of losing their cultural and religious identity. “We have always respected the Constitution, but any law that goes against our religious rights must be reconsidered,” said former state minister Naeem Akhtar Qureshi, who joined the protest.
As the sun set over Haridwar, the protesters dispersed, but their resolve remained unshaken. “This is not just about a law; it’s about our identity, our faith, and our future,” said Rizwan. “We will fight for our rights, no matter how long it takes.”
The battle over the Uniform Civil Code is far from over, and its implications will reverberate across the nation. For now, the voices of dissent in Haridwar echo a larger struggle for religious freedom and cultural preservation in a rapidly changing India.
The Muslim community’s opposition to the UCC is not merely a reaction to a new law but a reflection of deeper anxieties about their place in Indian society. For many, the UCC represents an erosion of their religious identity and a move toward cultural homogenization.
“Our personal laws are derived from the Quran and Hadith, and they have governed our lives for centuries,” said Fatima Begum, a community elder who participated in the protest. “The UCC seeks to replace these divine laws with man-made ones, which is unacceptable to us.”
The community also fears that the UCC could be used as a tool to marginalize them further. “This law is being pushed by a government that has consistently ignored our concerns,” said Salim Khan, a local activist. “It feels like yet another attempt to sideline Muslims and impose a majoritarian agenda.”
The BJP government, however, maintains that the UCC is a necessary step toward creating a more equitable society. “The UCC is about ensuring justice and equality for all citizens, regardless of their religion,” said a senior BJP leader. “It is not about targeting any community but about creating a unified legal framework.”
Critics, however, argue that the government’s push for the UCC is politically motivated. “The timing of this law is suspicious,” said political analyst Ayesha Khan. “It seems designed to polarize voters and consolidate the BJP’s Hindu vote bank.”
As the debate over the UCC intensifies, the Muslim community has vowed to continue its fight against the law. Legal challenges are expected, with several organizations planning to approach the courts to seek a stay on its implementation.
“We will explore every legal and democratic avenue to protect our rights,” said Rizwan. “This is not just a fight for the Muslim community but for all those who believe in the principles of diversity and pluralism.”
The protest in Haridwar is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Muslim community. As they stand firm in their opposition to the UCC, their struggle serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding religious freedom and cultural identity in a diverse and democratic society.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the future of the UCC in Uttarakhand and beyond. As the Muslim community continues to voice its concerns, the government’s response will shape the trajectory of this contentious issue.
For now, the streets of Haridwar echo with the voices of those who refuse to be silenced, standing up for their rights and their faith in the face of adversity. Their fight is not just for themselves but for the soul of a nation that prides itself on its diversity and pluralism.
