Some Chin national legal experts, political representatives and women’s groups representatives claimed certain provisions in the act, adopted in 1948, are out of tune with the present day and oppress Chin women.

According to the act, Chin national women are unable to receive the property of their parents or the house of their husband when they die. Moreover, Chin women are still legally entitled to only four kyat as a bride price in their tradition, said Chin national lawyer Salai Thang Cung.

Salai Naw Saw, a Chin historian, said, “Each Chin woman suffers much loss but can also enjoy privileges in her life.”

The law states Chin women have the opportunity to pick and choose their husband, as well as divorce him.

The meeting agreed to amend some provisions concerning women that are inappropriate today, amend the title “Chin Special Division” to “Chin State,” and recognised that sections on tackling illegal drugs overlapped federal law.

More meetings will be held to review the different traditions and customs of the many ethnic groups under the Chin nationality.