NEW DELHI: A proposal to exclude the tribal areas mentioned in the Sixth Schedule in the North Eastern Regions if the Uniform Civil Code is implemented. Chairman Sushil Kumar Modi gave the directive in the meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Legal Affairs.

According to Article 371 of the Constitution, the laws of other parts of the country do not apply to the tribal autonomous regions of some northeastern states. This was pointed out by some in the standing committee meeting.

Most of the members of the panel said that an official response can be given only after the government presents the draft proposal on the Uniform Civil Code.

KC Venugopal called Muslim leaders

AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal held a discussion with Muslim League, Samasta and AK Sunni leaders while KPCC is scheduled to meet today on the Uniform Civil Code issue.

Talking to Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal and Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliyar over phone, Venugopal conveyed Congress's support on the single civil code issue. He also explained that the concern of the Muslim community is understood.

Bhagwant Mann leaves Aam Aadmi's stand

Party leader and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann deviated from Aam Aadmi's stand of supporting a uniform civil code in principle. He said that Aam Aadmi Party is a secular party and will not support a divisive strategy to win votes.

The country is a bouquet in which there are flowers of all colors. All religions, beliefs and customs should be respected. Why is BJP manipulating such emotional issues? The constitution says that if all are socially equal then there can be a uniform civil code. Aam Aadmi Party will not support BJP's divisive agenda in elections, he added.

In Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party's stand on the Uniform Civil Code was heavily criticized by the opposition, except the BJP.