Tripura Teen Takes Stand Against Forced Marriage
A determined 16-year-old tribal girl from South Tripura has successfully stopped her own arranged marriage. She took bold action to protect her dream of becoming a police officer.
Seeking Institutional Support
The Class X student found herself facing an unwanted wedding in the Siddhinagar area of Belonia. When her parents refused to cancel the marriage plans, she turned to the Balika Manch operating in her school.
This youth platform immediately contacted Childline for assistance. The child protection organization intervened directly and prevented the wedding from taking place.
Before the Child Welfare Committee
Officials produced the teenager before the Child Welfare Committee last Friday as part of standard procedure. She shared her troubling story with committee members.
"On January 11," she explained, "a prospective groom visited my home with my brother-in-law to finalize the alliance." Her parents showed initial hesitation but eventually agreed under pressure from relatives.
As wedding preparations moved forward, the girl realized she needed outside help. She made her position clear - she wanted to continue her education, not enter into marriage.
Parental Admission and Change of Heart
Initially, the girl's parents denied any involvement in planning the marriage. They later admitted their role and acknowledged their mistake.
The parents have now promised to support their daughter's education. They cited financial hardship as their original motivation for arranging the marriage.
Official Support and Future Plans
Child Welfare Committee chairman Rupak Majumdar confirmed the committee will provide full support to both the girl and her family. This case highlights the effectiveness of institutional mechanisms in protecting children's rights.
The teenager's courageous stand demonstrates how young people can advocate for their futures. Her determination to become a police officer remains strong despite the challenges she faced.
