Agartala, May 30:
A 15-year-old pregnant girl was rescued from her in-laws house by Childline officials in North Tripura’s Panisagar subdivision following a complaint received through the Child Helpline 1098, highlighting the continuing challenge of child marriage in the state.
The rescue operation was conducted in Noidron area by Childline officials, Panisagar Police and District Child Marriage officials. During the inquiry, it was found that the girl had been married nearly two years ago. Her husband is currently 19 years old.
Childline Supervisor Surajit Nath said officials intervened after receiving information about the case and counselled both families.
Following discussions, the girl’s family agreed to keep her in their custody until she attains the legal age of 18 years, while the boy’s family assured cooperation.
The girl was subsequently handed over to her parents in Dharmanagar.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the issue of child marriage in Tripura, a larger challenge that the state is confronting despite sustained awareness campaigns against it.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), more than 40 per cent of women aged 20-24 years in Tripura were married before the legal age of 18, placing the state among those with the highest prevalence of child marriage in the country.
Early marriage often leads to school dropouts, teenage pregnancies, health complications and the loss of opportunities for young girls.
The rescue underlines the need for greater vigilance, community awareness and stronger efforts to ensure that every girl is allowed to complete her education and enjoy a safe childhood.
