Mild quake hits Assam’s Dima Hasao district; no casualties reported
A mild earthquake, measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale, hit Assam’s mountainous Dima Hasao district on Saturday night, officials said.
A Muslim organisation in Assam has expressed support for the state government’s decision to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935, a move aimed at combatting the issue of child marriage in the region.
The Assam unit of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch, affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, applauded the decision, emphasising its potential to protect Muslim boys and girls from the harmful practice of underage marriage.
Alkas Hussain, the convenor of the Manch’s Assam unit, commended Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his commitment to ending marriages involving girls as young as 5-6 years old by 2026.
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Hussain criticised certain Muslim MLAs for what he deemed as neglect towards Muslim children.
The decision to repeal the Act, which allowed marriage registration of minors, has faced opposition from the All India United Democratic Front, citing conflicts with the Kazis Act of 1880.
However, Hussain supported the state government’s stance and also endorsed the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, emphasising the importance of a unified legal framework for the country.
Hussain credited the Narendra Modi government for its initiatives such as banning triple talaq and promoting development. He urged patience regarding the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) issue, suggesting that awaiting the Supreme Court’s judgment would be prudent to avoid further unrest.
Despite concerns over the BJP’s decision not to field any Muslim candidates in Assam’s Lok Sabha elections, Hussain asserted that candidate selection was based on factors of electability. He suggested that the Asom Gana Parishad, a BJP ally, might nominate a Muslim candidate in Dhubri, a Muslim-majority constituency.
In light of the upcoming elections, Hussain expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects, citing widespread support for development across communities in Assam.
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