The Mizoram Assembly passed a resolution criticising demand by leaders of three autonomous district councils (ADCs) of Chhimtuipui district to carve out a Union Territory of the district.

The resolution, moved by state home minister Tawnluia, said: This House strongly condemns the demand of separate Union Territory carved out of Mizoram by some parties. We are never going to allow balkanisation of Mizoram and will oppose its division to the end."

Six opposition Congress legislators opposed the resolution alleging the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) had itself earlier forged alliances with political parties demanding separate Union Territory status. They also alleged that three autonomous district councils — Lai, Mara and Chakma — situated in Chhimtuipui district no longer felt safe under the Mizoram administration after demands to scrap Chakma Autonomous District Council was raised by Chief Minister Zoramthanga.

The Chief Minister and ruling members, while supporting the resolution, said four Congress legislators and one Rajya Sabha member who were signatories to the demand for separate Union Territory should quit from Assembly and Rajya Sabha respectively.

Leaders of Mara, Lai and Chakma autonomous district councils had earlier put forward demand for UT status for the three ADCs. Congress leaders from the three ADCs made the UT demand before government officials.