New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that equal number of Muslims and Hindu have been arrested during state government’s ongoing operation against child marriage in the state.
“Ratio of arrests of Muslims to Hindus in child marriage cases is 55:45,” Sarma said during his reply to a discussion on Vote Of Thanks on the Governor’s speech in the state assembly.
Citing data from NFHS 5, the Assam Chief Minister further said that the problem of child marriage “is highest” in Dhubri and South Salmara (Muslim-majority districts) and, not in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia.
ALSO READ: BRS-BJP Poster War Intensifies Ahead Of Kavitha's ED Questioning
Targeting the previous Congress government on the issue, Sarma said, “Data collected during Congress government shows highest number of child marriages in districts of Lower Assam (region with greater Muslim population).
Accusing the Congress of shedding crocodile tears, for minorities and not doing anything for them when in power, the CM claimed that the Muslim community was currently living in the “most peaceful atmosphere ever” in the state.
He also asserted that his government will continue to bust illegal activities including eviction drive from forest areas, child marriages and other criminal activities, adding that police will not deter taking recourse to firing in self-defence.
ALSO READ: Former India Great Sunil Gavaskar Selects India's Wicketkeeper For WTC Final, Know Details
Referring to the ongoing eviction drives in the state, especially from forest and protected areas, Sarma said these were being carried out mostly as per court orders and as per laws enacted during Congress regimes.
"Just as the Congress had exempted the tribals from eviction from forest lands while making the law, they should have included people of minority community also or those affected by erosion, etc.
"They (Congress) should stop shedding crocodile tears for the minorities now," he said.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI)