Guwahati: After the huge crackdown against child marriage by Assam Government, several families have cancelled pre-scheduled marriages between underage children. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweets, “Reports are coming from various parts of Assam that several families have cancelled pre-scheduled marriages between unde age children after our drive against such illegal practices. This is definitely a positive impact of our two-week-long crackdown against child marriage.”
CM Sarma, on February 17, held an important meeting with Deputy Commissioners (DC) and Superintendents of Police (SP) on the ongoing drive against child marriage. After the crucial meeting, CM said, Action against those involved in child marriages will be further intensified in Assam as the Government aims to eliminate the social menace by 2026.
There has been no opposition in Assam against the crackdown; he told reporters before chairing a meeting on the issue with DCs and SPs of all districts.
The idea is to ensure that no child marriage happens in the state, and “we will eliminate it by 2026”, CM Dr Sarma added.
Asserting that those arrested are perpetrators of the crime, CM Sarma said that actions had not been taken on religious affiliations.
The Assam Government began a crackdown on child marriages on February 3, and so far, 3,047 people, including 2,954 males and 93 females, have been arrested. Police have registered 4,235 cases, while 6,707 people have been named in those cases.
Reacting to the bail granted by courts to the arrested persons, CM Sarma said that only 251 people, or 8.23 per cent, have been granted bail.
“We are resolute in our commitment to end such social evils,” Dr Sarma added.
The Chief Minister claimed no opposition in the state against the crackdown. “We are getting full cooperation from religious leaders, public and social organisations in this regard,” CM Sarma mentioned.
