Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has voiced concerns regarding the prevalence of crimes related to polygamy against tribal women in the State.
Highlighting the complexities surrounding polygamy, CM Khandu acknowledged its historical roots in tribal culture, often practiced by elders for reasons such as agricultural needs, hunting, and wartime exigencies. However, he highlighted the importance of moving away from such practices in the modern era, citing the transformative power of education and the sufficiency of human survival without the need for polygamous unions.
Clarifying that his remarks represented a personal perspective rather than an official stance, CM Khandu urged the collective leadership of Arunachal’s tribal communities and community-based organisations to engage in meaningful dialogue on the societal repercussions of polygamy. He advocated for the formulation of recommendations addressing the need for potential legal interventions to prohibit polygamy, emphasising his government’s readiness to enact legislation reflecting such directives in the State Assembly.
CM Khandu emphasised, “In our tribal culture, polygamy is an age-old practice adopted by our elders for several reasons like having a big family for farming activities, hunting, and many reasons, but now in the modern era when education is changing lives and human survival is sufficient in all aspects, we should avoid practicing polygamy.”
He further stated, “It is not my official statement rather my personal view is that we should stop the polygamy culture in our State. The apex body of all the tribes of Arunachal and community-based organisations must take a stand on it and take initiative on its causes on society through discussions involving intellectuals and send recommendations to the government if legal support is needed to ban polygamy which will further lead to its complete ban and my government will happily put a ban on it through enacting a law in the assembly following the recommendations.”
