Even cold-blooded killings need
to be categorised differently now-a-days. Each category seeks to justify
its actions and gain a legitimacy that simply does not exist. As
‘Political Killings’ continue unabated, the latest to hit the front page is the
‘Honour Killing’.
An ‘honour killing’ involves the
murder of a member of a family or community, where the victim is perceived to
have brought dishonour to the family or community. This normally arises
out of choosing to marry within the same gotra, engaging in adultery
etc. The murderers believe that the killing, which has the sanction of the
community, is an honourable act!
Khap Panchayats were originally
formed to settle disputes and promote brotherhood among the different
communities. However, over a period, they became a collection of
self-appointed guardians of the ‘honour’ of their community. They claim
that marriages between persons belonging to the same gotra are
incestuous and hence cannot be permitted. At the same time, they
adamantly oppose inter-caste marriages for fear of losing a rare booty - the
caste divisions in the society!
As innocent lives continue to be
sacrificed on the altar of ‘perverted’ honour, I wonder, ‘Is India really
marching ahead to be numero uno in the world?’
- June 2010
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