KISHTWAR, JANUARY 10: In a significant step towards preventing Bal Vivah, the Child Protection Department, Kishtwar, has urged religious leaders and students of Madrasas to strictly verify the age of both bride and groom before solemnising any Nikah or marriage ceremony.
The appeal was made under the guidance and directions of District Child Protection Officer Kishtwar Tariq Parveaz Qazi as part of the ongoing 100 days of Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign aimed at eradicating child marriage from society.
The campaign was carried out by the officials of DCPU, CHL and OSC Kishtwar.
Interacting with the religious leaders and students of Markaszi Madrasa Ahle Sunnat Madinatul Aloom Kishtwar, Touseef Iqbal Butt Protection Officer-NIC stressed that marriage below the prescribed legal age—18 years for girls and 21 years for boys—is a punishable offence.
He requested religious leaders to act responsibly and refuse to conduct marriage rituals without proper age verification documents.
He emphasized the crucial role played by religious institutions and their leaders in protecting children’s rights as it’s a part of society and people should realise it.
The religious leaders assured their full cooperation in preventing early marriages of children and spreading this awareness within their communities ensuring that Child Helpline 1098 number will be displayed in the institution for reporting the incident of any Child Abuse.
In the end, Shashi Kumar (MPS OSC) administered the pledge on child marriage and stressed to work collectively for the protection of children’s rights.
Those who were present including Vikey Sharma (Project Coordinator CHL), Aqib Qazi (ORW), Ruhi Kousar (MPS OSC).
