Governor consents to Mizo Divorce Bill

Aizawl, Oct 2(UNI) Mizoram Governor M M Lakhera today gave consent to the Mizo Divorce Bill, bringing smile on the lips of the fair sex. Welcoming the Bill, Mrs Rozami president of the largest Mizo women body Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), told UNI, '' It is a victory for the organisation in particular, and the Mizo women in general.'' Mrs B Sangkhumi, former MHIP president and present chairman of Mizoram Public Service Commission (MPSC), had contributed a lot to the legislation of the much-awaited Bill.

'' After much effort, we had the Mizoram Legislative Assembly pass the Bill, and the Governor has finally given his consent. This is a major milestone in the history of Mizoram and is the result of concerted efforts of the women wings of different political parties,'' B Sangkhumi told UNI here today.

According to Sangkhumi, who is the adviser of MHIP, the Divorce Bill will put an end to certain divorce laws under the 'male-friendly' Mizo Customary Law which are highly unfavourable to women.

'' With the enactment of the Divorce Bill, a man will no more divorce his wife by just saying ka ma che (equivalent to Muslim's talaq talaq talaq). Since the man who divorces his wife will have to pay a huge amount of financial assistance to the divorced wife, the number of divorces will hopefully be decreased which will further curb social evils,'' she said, adding that many divorced women had to resort to prostitutions and illegal businesses due to want of money.

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