Silchar, Assam: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday announced that the state’s proposed legislation targeting so-called “love-jihad” would include a provision making parents of the male accused liable for arrest. The announcement comes ahead of the next session of the Assam Assembly, where several key bills—including measures against polygamy and the love-jihad law—are expected to be tabled.Speaking at a cheque-distribution ceremony for a women-empowerment scheme in Lakhipur, Cachar district, Sarma emphasized that the government aims to protect women from what he termed traps related to love-jihad and polygamy. He stated, “We want to save our women from traps where they become victims of love-jihad and polygamy. We are bringing stringent laws, and the parents of the male accused in love-jihad cases will also be liable for arrest under the new law.”

Provisions Targeting Family AccountabilityThe CM’s remarks indicate that Assam’s new law is set to expand liability beyond the individual male accused, making their parents potentially culpable in legal proceedings. While the precise legal framework of the law has not yet been tabled, the provision is likely to raise significant debates on parental responsibility, civil liberties, and the scope of criminal liability.Sarma did not elaborate on whether this would apply to all forms of relationships deemed as “love-jihad” or specific circumstances, but the announcement underscores the government’s intention to strengthen deterrence mechanismsthrough extended liability.

Women-Empowerment Scheme and Population PolicyWhile speaking at the event, Sarma also highlighted aspects of Assam’s population control measures. He said women who give birth to more than three children will not be eligible for government schemes related to welfare and education.“Some people say that Allah gives them children, so they cannot stop giving birth. I say, give birth as many as you wish, but do not expect government help to raise them or to send them to government schools,” he remarked, linking population control with welfare eligibility.

Anti-Polygamy MeasureThe Chief Minister also outlined the government’s proposed anti-polygamy legislation, noting that multiple marriages by men often disproportionately harm women. Under the new law, men who marry more than one woman will face up to seven years’ imprisonment. Sarma emphasized that these measures are part of a broader effort to protect women from exploitation and uphold their rights.

Addressing Local ControversiesSarma sought to clarify recent controversies regarding 19 villages in Cachar district. Rumors had circulated that these villages would be handed over to Dima Hasao district under a peace agreement signed on April 27, 2023, involving the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA), the Government of India, and the Assam government.“This is a rumour circulated by political parties such as the Congress. Today, on behalf of the Assam government, I assure everyone that not a single village from Cachar district is going to Dima Hasao,” he said, aiming to allay local concerns and prevent misinformation from affecting public sentiment.

Response to Activist CriticismThe Chief Minister also addressed comments made by activist Medha Patkar regarding the investigation into the death of singer Zubeen Garg and the state’s eviction drives. Sarma asserted that outsiders do not understand the socio-cultural and economic challenges faced by the indigenous people of Assam.“One community is trying to grab our land and trying to take away our sisters through tricks like love-jihad. People like Medha Patkar won’t see that. If she comes here to protest against evictions, we will take strict action,” he said, indicating that the state government would not tolerate external interventions in local issues.

Political and Social ImplicationsThe announcement that parents of male accused in love-jihad cases could face arrest is likely to spark debates on civil liberties, family accountability, and gender politics in Assam. Critics may argue that holding parents criminally liable for the actions of adult children could raise constitutional and ethical questions, while supporters are likely to frame it as a protective measure for women and social cohesion.The anti-polygamy provisions, along with the population control-linked restrictions on welfare eligibility, reflect the Assam government’s broader policy priorities aimed at strengthening social norms, curbing perceived exploitation of women, and managing population growth.

Next StepsThe bills, including the love-jihad and anti-polygamy legislation, are expected to be tabled in the upcoming Assam Assembly session. Lawmakers, activists, and civil society groups are likely to closely scrutinize these measures for their legal viability, societal impact, and implications for minority communities.By tying parental accountability to alleged love-jihad offenses, Assam is positioning itself at the forefront of states taking a stringent stance against interfaith relationships framed under the love-jihad narrative, a politically and socially contentious issue across India.