Manipur Reports 100 Child Marriage Cases, Thoubal Tops the List with 49

Imphal, Feb 27: Manipur has reported around 100 cases of child marriage, with Thoubal district leading the count with 49 cases, according to Legal Cum Probation Officer, Imphal East, Reena Chanu Moirangthem. She made the revelation during an Orientation and Sensitization Programme for Child Marriage Prohibition Officers organised by the Social Welfare Department at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal, North AOC Thursday.

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Speaking at the event, Reena Chanu Moirangthem explained the difference in the concept of child marriage between Manipur and other states. While child marriage is commonly practised in some parts of India, she pointed out that it is not a part of Manipur’s traditional practices. However, the increasing number of child marriage cases in the state is a cause for concern.

She highlighted the negative consequences of child marriage, categorising them into ‘Evil Consequences’ – Violation of children’s rights and disruption of their future; ‘Social Consequences’ – Gender inequality, lack of education, and economic dependency; ‘Health Consequences’– Early pregnancies leading to maternal and infant health risks and ‘Legal Consequences’– Violation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, leading to legal action.

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Although many child marriage cases have been reported, the number of legal cases filed remains around 100. Among them, Thoubal district has the highest number of cases (49 cases), followed by Imphal West, Imphal East, and Bishnupur. Interestingly, no cases of child marriage have been reported in the hill districts. The event stressed the need for stronger awareness campaigns to educate the public about the harmful effects of child marriage and to ensure strict enforcement of laws.