I will not accept Uniform Civil Code: Mamata

West Bengal, Aug 9 Asserting that she will not accept Uniform Civil Code, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said things should continue as they are with people having the freedom to observe their customs and religion as per their wishes.
There are various castes and practices among different communities and religions, but now, suddenly, they are talking about Uniform Civil Code, Banerjee averred, in an obvious reference to centre’s ruling BJP.
“This means, that one has to marry as per their customs. Why should people be forced to do this?” she asked.
Hindus, Muslims, Adivasis, Punjabis, and Jains have different processes for weddings and one cannot just impose one rule on everyone, she iterated.
“This is why I am saying here today that I do not accept Uniform Civil Code and I will not accept it. Things will continue as they are and there should be freedom for our people to observe their customs and religion as per their wishes,” Banerjee added.
She urged the people of the world to pray for Manipur’s peace and said, ” I want to tell the Central government that you cannot chase us away as we are people of the country. If they say Mamata Banerjee should Quit India, I won’t go because I was born here. “
Maintaining that in Bengal, Hindus and Muslims as also tribals and Kurmis stay together peacefully, while Durga Puja, Karma Utsav, Hul Diwas, and Eid are celebrated together by everyone, she said, “Like our body parts, different languages & religions constitute important parts of our existence. “