INDIA. Assam: More than 800 people have been detained in a recent crackdown on child marriage in the state, according to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, whose announcement is a significant development.
A large number of suspects were apprehended as a result of this operation, which was the second of its kind this year and started early on Tuesday. As the operation continues, Chief Minister Sarma suggested that this figure might go up.
Assam Police have arrested over 800 accused persons in a crackdown against child marriage, part of the Assam government’s efforts to address the social problem. The state government began an unprecedented campaign against child marriage in February, detaining 3,141 persons during a one-month operation. The operation included men who had married underage girls, family members, and religious figures who were reportedly complicit in arranging such unions.
Following the last operation earlier this year, this latest batch of arrests primarily targets anyone who took part in child marriages. The government’s commitment to eliminating this detrimental practice from the state is evident in this.
Furthermore, the authorities have targeted those who abuse their positions to perform underage marriages. Seventeen people pretending to be “qazis,” who are in charge of solemnizing Muslim marriages, were apprehended in several operations in the Hailakandi region of Assam last month.
The top five districts with the most recent arrests are Nagaon, Hojai, Dhubri, Baksa, and Barpeta. In Baksa, Hindus and others make up 62.64 percent of those detained, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
The other four districts are primarily Muslim-dominated, highlighting the diverse impact of child marriage on various populations.
The second major campaign against child marriage launched by the Assam government is an important step in the fight against this pervasive social issue.
The government is making it quite clear that child marriage will not be accepted, and those who engage in it will be held accountable through a fervent commitment to enforcement.
Also Read: South Asia is the Hub of Highest Child Marriage in World: UN Study
