Community unites to halt 12-year-old girl’s wedding, combating child marriage
In a heartening display of unity and commitment to protect the rights of children, villagers in Purnea, Bihar, India, joined forces to prevent the marriage of a 12-year-old girl. The incident took place on May 18th and garnered attention as a symbol of grassroots activism against child marriage.
The villagers, determined to uphold the law and ensure the well-being of the young girl, actively intervened to stop the marriage from taking place. With a collective effort, they raised their voices and took a stand against this harmful practice that robs children of their childhood and exposes them to physical and emotional trauma. The matter came to light around 7 pm on Tuesday when rituals of the marriage started in the house of one Jagdish Rishi.
The residents came to know that a 12-year-old girl was being married to a 17-year-old boy hailing from Badayun district in Uttar Pradesh. During interrogation, the groom’s relative Sunita Devi confessed that she had promised to pay Rs 5,000 to the accused for marriage. A police officer said on Wednesday that the bride’s sister Rekha Devi complained to her husband Jagdish Rishi and his younger brother Munna Rishi for marrying her minor sister for money.
Child marriage remains a prevalent issue in certain parts of India, including Bihar, despite legal prohibitions and increased awareness campaigns. The involvement of community members in preventing such marriages signifies a growing realization of the detrimental effects and the importance of safeguarding children’s rights.
This inspiring act also highlights the need for continued efforts to educate communities and raise awareness about the consequences of child marriage. It underscores the importance of providing support systems and resources to empower individuals to challenge harmful traditions and protect the rights of children.
–Re-reported the article from the story originally published in The New Indian Express
