From Our Correspondent
KHLIEHRIAT, March 14: A total of 116 villages across East Jaintia Hills have been officially declared ‘Child Marriage-Free’ following the conclusion of a 100-day intensive awareness campaign.
The announcement was made during the closing convergence meeting of the ASHA (Awareness, Support, Help and Action) Unit held recently.
The meeting, chaired by District and Sessions Judge B. Khriam, marked the end of the campaign conducted under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat initiative.
The campaign was implemented in three phases and included community outreach, street plays, rallies and sensitisation programmes in schools and markets to educate the public on the legal and health consequences of child marriage.
Out of the 206 villages in the district, 116 were identified as child marriage-free based on an exercise conducted by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and the Khliehriat Women Police Station.
This includes 55 villages in the Saipung C&RD Block, 27 in Lumshnong and 34 in the Wapung Block.
The 55 villages in Saipung C&RD Block include Artan, Fiangpui, Jarain, Jongria Old, Jongria Thar, Khaidong, Khoingoi, Kremmyrsiang, Kulpui, Lumbangla, Lumshyrngan, Lummaicham, Muallian, Mualcheng, Mooriap, Mualhoi, New Tlangmoi, Ngaibang, Sahkai, Saipung, Saibual, Saitual, Sakhain Moolimen, Sakwa, Saron, Saphak, Shnongrim, Shnongthymme, Situng, Teizol, Thuruk, Tlangmoi, Tlangpui, Tluh, Tongseng, Tuidam, Tuituk, Um kyrpong, Dimasitung, Kayiengphai, Kayengkham, Kayiengpur, Kaizakham, New Machikur, P. Zoar, Bomboithol, Diruphai, Umkboh, Salain, Umthe, Moopad, Kharoh, Kayonkham, Simlei, Nadiangzol and Laizol.
In the Lumshnong C&RD Block, the 27 villages are Um Rasiang, Bri Shyrnot, Umlong, Lahalein, Huroi, Borsara, Shymplong, Lum Soski, Dona Skur, Baskuna, Dona Umbluh, Lum Pyllut, Ratachera, Lum Myrli, Hingaria, Kuliang, Umtyra, Nongsning, Mynkre, Umrasong, Musiang Lamare (New), Umstain, Moolidor, Larseng, Wahiajer, Khaddum and Sialkan.
The 34 villages in Wapung C&RD Block include Borghat, Chamcham, Deinchynrum, Demlakang, Iurim Khliehshnong, Kairang, Khliehmyntriang, Kongong, Kwator, Lad Lakadong, Ladrymbai Datsympein, Ladrymbai Khlieh Dupon, Lama, Lumshyrmit, Mookhep, Moo Nongtdu, Moopala, Mukhaialong, Musniang Rim, Lumskhen, Natbor, Nongthymme, Pdeing Wah Khynriam, Pynurkba, Rachai, Shilliang Umshong, Sohkymphor, Suchen Lumiarain, Suchen Mulieh, Suchen Rim, Umlangsha, Umlatdoh, Ummat and Umsatai.
The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and the district administration stated that these 116 villages are now designated as Child Marriage-Free Zones.
They reiterated their commitment to continue working with local communities to safeguard children’s rights and prevent teenage pregnancy across the district.
