Aizawl, June 19: Mizo women are demanding an immediate amendment of the old customary laws, including an exclusive Mizo Christian Marriage Act.

The Mizo customary laws were originally drafted by the then Lushai Hills district superintendent, N.E. Perry, in 1927. ?It is high time that we have a Mizo Christian Marriage Act since the existing customary laws are enslaving Mizo women,? said B. Sangkhumi, president of the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl, the state?s highest women?s apex body.

?Since we are desperate to amend the customary laws in favour of women, we have opted for women?s legal protection, which is guaranteed under the Constitution,? she added. The apex organisation feels the current customary laws, including those on marriage, divorce, and inheritance, are patriarchal in nature and are antithetical to women?s rights.