Silchar, Sept. 29: Non-governmental organisations in Mizoram have decided to launch a drive against same-sex couples living in Aizawl and its adjoining areas.
The organisations, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Young Mizo Association (YMA), Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) and Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP), plan to identify homosexuals living in Mizoram and "take action" against them.
Mizo Zirlai Pawl president Lalhmachhuana told The Telegraph here today that the decision to launch the drive was taken in a joint meeting held recently.
"Homosexuality is against the teachings of Christianity. It's a sin. God has created men and women and they should follow the natural path. Marriage is a union of a man and a woman and legalisation of same-sex marriage will certainly destabilise the family system and result in harmful consequences for society at large," he added.
Asked about the campaign, he said, "The younger generation might get motivated by seeing them (homosexuals) and so we have decided to launch the drive.
"The date will be finalised in our next meeting which will be held soon," Lalhmachhuana added.
An executive member of the Young Mizo Association also said same-sex relationship was against religious ethics and the culture of Indian society.
The decision was, however, lambasted by various organisations.
"The proposed campaign by Mizoram organisations against gays and lesbians exposes their lack of awareness. It will be a gross violation of human rights and we vociferously condemn it," said Subhojit Dutta, an activist of Xukia, an organisation which works for the rights of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in the Northeast.
He said society should respect every individual irrespective of sexual orientation and way of living.
"It's a matter of choice and each one of us has the right to choose," he told The Telegraph today.
The Baptist Church of Mizoram had issued a statement in 2010 condemning same-sex relationship.
It had also threatened to take punitive action against homosexuals.
Samakami, a Meghalaya-based non-governmental organisation working for the rights of sexually marginalised population, lambasted the Mizoram non-governmental organisations for their decision to take action against homosexuals.
"They must understand that homosexuality is not a mental and psychological disorder. It is a normal form of sexuality. It's just a preference," said Rebina Subba of Samakami.
"Homosexuals are also human beings and their choice should be respected by one and all," she added.
She, however, said the situation had started changing a bit with Church leaders coming out in support of homosexuality.
"Recently, a Church leader from South India came to Shillong and he openly supported same-sex relationship. Church leaders like him should come forward and raise their voices against the discrimination against homosexuals," she added.
In 2009, Delhi High Court had decriminalised same-sex relationship.
However, in 2013, the Supreme Court criminalised such relationships, even if it is consensual and in private.