To raise a strong voice against social evils like dowry and child marriage and change the mindset of the people of traditionally feudal society of Bihar, a long human chain was formed in the nook and corner of the State on Sunday. At Gandhi Maidan here Chief Minister Nitish Kumar led the human chain involving Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, Ministers, legislators, officials and common people joined hands to take a pledge for social reform. They released balloons carrying the slogans “na dahej, na bal vivah” (no dowry, no child marriage).
This was the second human chain formation in Bihar; the first human chain was organised on January 21 last year in support of total prohibition which turned out to be longest covering over 12,000 km with the involvement of about 4 crore people. The second human chain is believed to have surpassed the last year’s record.
“Child marriage and dowry has become a big social evil and despite the laws it cannot be eliminated unless the active participation of the people in this campaign. The formation of human chain is a symbolic gesture to oppose this social ill and out campaign will continue,” said Nitish after holding hands for half an hour.
Over all the 38 districts, sources said, human chains with the involvement of about five crore people and spread over 13,700 km was formed in which people hailing from all sections of the society participated. Drones were used to document the event.
Vehicular traffic had been restricted on the main thoroughfares of the city with instruction not to stop ambulances and vehicles of other necessary services. Still some ambulances were stuck up in the jam. Unlike last year the formation of human chain on highways was not being regulated by the administration but it was left for the local people to manage it, said Nitish.
“These social evils are illegal but still going on. We decided to create human awareness and thankfully people are becoming aware and coming up against these practices. later on the impact of this campaign will be studied by independent agencies. The anti liquor campaign has generated very positive impact and has heralded social change for good,” said Nitish.
However, the human chain was boycotted by the opposition RJD and Congress. “This campaign has nothing to do with politics. This is for social reforms,” the CM added. Deputy CM Modi said last year even though his party BJP was in opposition it participated in human chain for prohibition. He said that the opposition should have supported this social cause. Congress leader Prem Chandra Mishra demanded that Government should come out with a white paper detailing the expenses incurred on holding this programme.
Reports coming from the districts suggested that all the DMs, SPs and officials took part in the programme to encourage the people. School children in big number also participated without any coercion and after the consent of their parents following a directive of the High Court.