Crackdown on Illegal Child Marriages in India’s Northeast
Mass Arrests and Raids in Assam State
GUWAHATI: A crackdown on illegal child marriages in India’s northeast has resulted in nearly 5,000 arrests, after 416 people were detained in the latest police sweep, a minister said Sunday.
“We will continue to take bold steps to end this social evil,” Himanta Biswa Sarma, chief minister of Assam state, said in a statement. “Assam continues its fight against child marriage,” he added, saying raids have been carried out overnight and that those arrested would be produced in court on Sunday.
Background and Statistics
India is home to more than 220 million child brides, according to the United Nations, but the number of child weddings has fallen dramatically this century. Assam state had already arrested thousands in earlier abolition drives that began in February 2023, including parents of married couples and registrars who signed off on underage betrothals. It takes the total now arrested to more than 4,800 people.
The Campaign Against Child Marriage
Sarma has campaigned on a platform of stamping out child marriages completely in his state by 2026. The legal marriage age in India is 18 but millions of children are forced to tie the knot when they are younger, particularly in poorer rural areas. Many parents marry off their children in the hope of improving their financial security.
The Devastating Consequences
The results can be devastating, with girls dropping out of school to cook and clean for their husbands, and suffering health problems from giving birth at a young age. In a landmark 2017 judgement, India’s top court said that sex with an underage wife constituted rape, a ruling cheered by activists.
Conclusion
The crackdown on illegal child marriages in Assam state is a significant step towards eradicating this social evil. The arrests and raids demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of children. It is essential to continue this effort and work towards creating a society where every child can grow up free from the burden of early marriage.
FAQs
Q: How many people have been arrested in the crackdown on illegal child marriages in Assam state?
A: Nearly 5,000 people have been arrested, including parents of married couples and registrars who signed off on underage betrothals.
Q: What is the legal marriage age in India?
A: The legal marriage age in India is 18.
Q: Why do parents marry off their children at a young age?
A: Many parents marry off their children in the hope of improving their financial security.
Q: What are the consequences of child marriage?
A: The consequences can be devastating, including girls dropping out of school, suffering health problems from giving birth at a young age, and being subjected to sexual exploitation.