Assam intensifies child marriage crackdown, 11,196 arrested in five years

Guwahati, Aug 20 (IANS) Assam has intensified its campaign against child marriage, with the state government on Thursday announcing a special drive by the Assam Police to crack down on offenders and declaring November 1 as a key milestone in its efforts to curb the practice.

The campaign draws on the legacy of Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha, regarded as the founder and flag bearer of Bor Asom, with the state government linking its social reform agenda to the broader objective of ensuring justice and creating new opportunities for women and children.

According to figures shared by the Assam government, a total of 12,196 cases of child marriage have been registered in the state over the last five years, while 11,196 people have been arrested in connection with such cases.

The state government has described the intensified enforcement campaign as the “death knell for child marriage in Assam”, underlining its determination to eliminate the practice through sustained police action and social intervention.

The special intensive drive is aimed at identifying and taking action against those involved in child marriages, with Assam Police stepping up enforcement across districts.

Child marriage has remained a major social challenge in parts of Assam, with the state government in recent years adopting a strong enforcement-oriented approach.

Authorities have said that early marriage has serious consequences for girls, including disruption of education, early pregnancy, health risks and reduced economic opportunities.

The latest campaign seeks to reinforce the message that preventing child marriage is not merely a law-and-order responsibility but also an important component of women’s empowerment and child welfare.

The state government has repeatedly highlighted the need to ensure that girls remain in school and have access to opportunities that can improve their social and economic prospects.

The campaign also comes against the backdrop of Assam’s broader push to strengthen women’s empowerment through welfare and livelihood initiatives, while simultaneously taking strict action against practices considered harmful to children.

By combining legal enforcement with a focus on education, empowerment and opportunities, the Assam government aims to create greater awareness about the consequences of child marriage and encourage communities to reject the practice.

With thousands of cases registered and arrests made over the past five years, the intensified drive is expected to place renewed focus on enforcement while strengthening the state’s campaign to protect children and secure a better future for Assam’s women and girls.

–IANS

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