416 people nabbed in big crackdown against child marriage in Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma

The arrested individuals will be produced in court on Sunday, as per CM Sarma.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that 416 individuals have been arrested during the third phase of the state's ongoing crackdown against child marriage. The latest operation was launched on the night of December 21-22.

According to Sarma, 335 cases have been registered as part of this phase, and the arrested individuals will be presented in court on Sunday.

Taking to microblogging site X, the chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating child marriage in the state. "Assam continues its fight against child marriage. In Phase 3 operations launched on the night of Dec 21-22, 416 arrests were made and 335 cases registered. The arrested individuals will be produced in court today. We will continue to take bold steps to end this social evil," he posted.

This is the third phase of the state’s initiative to combat child marriage. In February 2023, during the first phase, Assam Police arrested 3,483 people and registered 4,515 cases. The second phase in October 2023 saw 915 arrests and 710 cases registered.

The Assam government has vowed to intensify its efforts to eliminate child marriage, a practice that has long been a social challenge in the state. The campaign has drawn both support and criticism, with some viewing it as a necessary move to protect children, while others have raised concerns over its execution.

The crackdown underscores the government’s resolve to uphold laws prohibiting child marriage and protect the rights of minors.