Guwahati, Feb 18: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the ongoing drive against child marriage will be intensified.
Talking to reporters, Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “The state government will eliminate child marriage in Assam by 2026. The drive against this social menace will be intensified and today (Friday) I have discussed (the issue) with DCs and SPs across the state.”
“Several people who had planned marriage (with girls) below 18 years have cancelled (the marriage). People are coming and checking with police if they can arrange the marriage as the bride has attained 18 years two months or three months. There is huge awareness now,” CM Sarma stated.
He further added, “Only 98 people have gotten bail. We will take strong measures to stop such practice.”
The state government started crackdown on child marriage from February 3 onwards, with more than 3,000 people allegedly linked with child marriage arrested so far and lodged in temporary jails.
The state cabinet had recently approved a proposal to book men who have married girls below 14 years of age under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO).
