Minor girl breaks own marriage with Balika Mancha's help

A minor tribal girl from Belonia has successfully broke her own child marriage by seeking institutional intervention, officials said on Friday.

The incident took place at Siddhinagar area under PR Bari police station in Belonia subdivision. The girl, identified as Niralata Tripura (16), is a Class X student of Baganbari High School. Unable to persuade her parents to cancel her marriage, she approached the Balika Manch operating in her school for help.

Acting promptly, the Balika Manch in-charge contacted Childline authorities, who intervened immediately and rescued the minor. She was subsequently produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) as per procedure.

According to Niralata, on January 11, a prospective groom along with her brother-in-law had visited her house to see her. Though her parents were initially reluctant, they later agreed to the proposal under family pressure. Faced with the imminent marriage, the minor decided to seek external help.

Niralata told authorities that she wishes to continue her studies and dreams of becoming a police officer to stand on her own feet. Her resolve has drawn widespread admiration.

Initially denying the incident, her father Suresh Tripura and mother later admitted to the planned marriage and acknowledged their mistake. They said they now support their daughter’s education, though financial constraints remain a challenge.

CWC chairman Rupak Majumdar assured all possible assistance to the girl and her family. He described the incident as one of the rarest cases in South Tripura and said, “This was the second such instance after the case of Josna Akter which evoked great response.”

Majumdar appealed to parents not to force their underage daughters into marriage and said Niralata would be presented before the district magistrate and sub divisional magistrate in recognition of her courage.