Guwahati, Feb 4: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said 2211 people have been arrested till date in connection with child marriage cases.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “The crackdown against child marriage will continue till next assembly polls in the state. Those who were involved in the child marriage, strict action will be taken against them.”
“The sections are different. For below 14 years, section will be non-bailable and above 14 years section will be bailable. We have tracked down 8100 persons involved in the child marriage cases. After this arrest against child marriages, awareness will be created against this social menace,” Sarma asserted.
He further said, “Before 2026 assembly polls, the crackdown against child marriage will continue and in Assam no child marriage could take place. Long term steps will be taken to control the Kazi.”
The highest arrests were made in Biswanath, Dhubri, Barpeta, Kokrajhar and Hojai.
The arrests come post Sarma about announced the state government’s tough stance against child marriage cases in the state.
Sarma said that individuals who married girls below 14 years of age will be booked under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and cases under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 will be registered against those who have married girls in the 14-18 age group.
