Last Update: February 09, 2023, 13:02 IST
In an exclusive interview with News18, Sarma said that the numbers have made it clear that “Hindus and Muslims are equal in Assam”. (Twitter @himantabiswa)
Opposition parties termed the arrest of teenage husbands and family members as ‘misuse of law’ for political gains and the police action as ‘terrorist’.
in one exclusive interview With News18, Sarma said the numbers made it clear that “Hindus and Muslims are equal in Assam.” Asked whether the crackdown was just a political gimmick as alleged by the opposition, the chief minister said, “No religion is being targeted.” It is an honest effort. We are targeting those who are flouting the law.”
Opposition parties have attacked the BJP-led government for “misusing the law” and comparing the police action with “terrorist people” arresting teenage husbands and family members for political gains.
Amid protests in several parts of Assam, the number of people arrested in the statewide crackdown on child marriage rose to 2,442.
In an unfortunate effect of the drive, a 17-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide in Assam’s Cachar district after her family stopped her from going ahead with her marriage plans with her boyfriend, police said on Monday. The girl had made preparations to run away with her lover, but the family members came to know about it and stopped her.
The crackdown on child marriage has led to the cancellation of several marriages of underage girls in Hailakandi, Cachar and Karimganj districts in the Barak Valley of Assam. Several affected families, including a large number of people from minority communities, also claimed that the police cited identity documents such as Aadhaar cards with wrong dates of birth of women while registering cases and arresting people.
The state cabinet recently approved a proposal to book men who marry girls below the age of 14 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012 (POCSO). The cabinet had decided that cases under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 would be registered against those marrying girls in the age group of 14-18 years. Offenders would be arrested and the marriage would be declared invalid.
Trying to pacify the protesters, Sarma had earlier also tweeted: “Our campaign against child marriage is for public health and public welfare as the teen pregnancy ratio in Assam is alarming. We are determined to continue this campaign till we achieve our objective.”
The Chief Minister also gave clarification on the government’s decision to get Madrassa teachers coming from outside the state verified by the police. Islamic leaders have also been asked to keep an eye on teachers coming from outside Assam.
“Everyone is happy with it. Those coming from outside are following the law. We are working together, there is no problem,” he told News18.
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