Inja to create awareness on child marriage among tribespeople
The Hindu
Wayanad District Legal Services Authority producing 45-minute film
Child marriage is common among tribespeople, especially the Paniya and Kattunaikar tribes in Wayanad, and has remained part of their custom for many years. In several cases, tribal youths who marry underage girls as per their traditional customs are booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) is preparing to come up with a 45-minute film titled Inja in tribal language to create awareness among tribespeople on the implications of child marriage. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan released the poster of the film on Friday.
Several tribesmen ignorant about the stringent provisions under the POCSO Act had wed minor girls keeping with their traditional practice and ended up in jail, said K. Rajesh, sub-judge, Wayanad. Many a time, cases were registered without a formal complaint from the minor girl or her parents, added Mr. Rajesh, who is also Secretary of Wayanad DLSA.