The Assam government has decided to book men who marry girls aged below 14 years in the state under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The major reason for the high maternal and infant mortality rate in the state is child marriage, he said, adding 31 per cent of marriages in the state have been done in the prohibited age group.

"We will launch a massive crackdown against child marriage in the state. Those marrying girls below the age of 14 years, will be booked under the POCSO Act," the CM said while addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting on Monday.