Assam: 2 Goroimari Youths Arrested on Child Marriage Charges

GUWAHATI: In a recent incident reported on Saturday, a team of police officers from the Jorsimuli Police Outpost in Assam's Kamrup district arrested two individuals on charges of participating in child marriage. The police registered two cases, numbered 340/23 and 341/23, under the Jorsimuli Outpost and swiftly apprehended the culprits. The operation, led by Officer-in-Charge Lavanya Bodo, reflects the region's commitment to tackling this concerning issue.

Both arrested youths appeared underage at first glance, but their identities and details are currently being withheld from the public. The move comes in the wake of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's recent announcement during a convention in Bogaigaon. He revealed plans to launch another operation in September to combat child marriages in the state. Sarma urged all superintendents of police (SPs) to prepare for further arrests and emphasized that legislative backing will be provided to ensure the prosecution of those involved in polygamy and child marriages.

Addressing the issue, Chief Minister Sarma highlighted that whenever child marriage is brought to the authorities' attention, the accused will be prosecuted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). This decision stems from POCSO being a secular Act, applicable to all and not associated with any particular religion.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the significant decrease in crime against women, with 14,030 cases reported in 2022 compared to 29,046 cases in 2021. This is substantially lower than the average of 27,240 cases reported annually between 2017 and 2021. Additionally, crime against children has also reduced to 4,084 cases in 2022 compared to 5,282 cases in the previous year.

To strengthen the fight against such crimes, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the need for high-profile cases to be tried in Special Courts. He also called for the deployment of Special Public Prosecutors and the timely filing of charge sheets to serve as a deterrent for future offenses.

The upcoming operation in September aims to intensify efforts to eradicate child marriages and polygamy in Assam. The government's firm stance and legislative support signal a determined approach to safeguard the rights and well-being of children in the state.

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