Assam child marriage crackdown: 431 arrested in phase III; Dhubri tops the list

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 22, 2024

The third phase of the crackdown on child marriage in Assam has led to the arrest of 431 individuals and the registration of 345 cases across the state, underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to eradicating the practice.

The operation, which spanned all 36 districts of Assam, witnessed Dhubri district recording the highest arrests, with 68 individuals detained. Other districts, such as Barpeta and South Salmara, also reported significant numbers of arrests.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed his pledge to eliminate child marriage in Assam by 2026, emphasizing a dual strategy of stringent law enforcement and welfare measures like the Nijut Moina scheme to ensure education and better prospects for minor girls. “We aim to completely eradicate child marriage from Assam,” Sarma stated.

The success of this campaign is evident in its significant impact on public health, with maternal mortality rates (MMR) dropping from 984 in FY 2020-21 to 372 in FY 2023-24, and infant mortality rates (IMR) declining from 9,472 to 4,790 in the same period.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, ADGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta highlighted the high charge-sheeting rate of over 95%, reflecting the robustness of the judicial process. He also noted the progressive reduction in arrests across the three phases, from nearly 5,000 in the first phase to over 400 in the current phase, indicating increasing awareness and compliance.

The police crackdown has also targeted facilitators, including family members and Kazis involved in underage marriages. The operation is part of a broader state initiative to challenge cultural and systemic practices perpetuating child marriage, further bolstered by repealing outdated laws like the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act 1935.

Despite opposition criticism, the state government remains firm in its stance. Sarma dismissed allegations, accusing critics of endorsing child marriages involving children as young as six years old. “No one will be allowed to exploit the lives of young boys and girls in Assam,” Sarma asserted.

Since the campaign’s inception, a total of 4,769 arrests and 5,414 registered cases have showcased Assam’s commitment to this cause. The crackdown has been pivotal not only in curbing child marriage but also in achieving significant public health improvements, underscoring the critical relationship between social practices and health outcomes.

Gupta further said these figures underscore the critical link between addressing child marriage and improving public health outcomes, as underage mothers are at higher risk of complications and their children more vulnerable to early mortality.