Assam Govt. Targets Love and Land Jihad with New Legislation

The Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, plans to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act of 1935. The new legislation aims to combat “love jihad” by imposing stringent penalties on individuals who deceive their partners about their identities. Sarma emphasized that “love jihad” is prevalent in Assam and that victims deserve justice. Additionally, the government is addressing “land jihad,” requiring the Chief Minister’s consent for land transactions between Hindus and Muslims to protect the rights of indigenous Assamese people. This move follows a crackdown on child marriage earlier this year.