Reacting to the Uttar Pradesh khap leader Naresh Tikait's claim that courts' interference in the social customs with the regard to the weddings of youngsters lead to honour killings, the general secretary of All India Democratic Women Association (AIDWA) Jagmati Sangwan rubbished the claim.
Notably, head of the Balyan khap of Uttar Pradesh, Naresh Tikait, had urged the Supreme Court not to interfere in khap customs.
Sangwan, who hails from Haryana, said that it was clear that khap leaders don't hesitate in using the language of violence for some political motives. "Honour killings are still rare incidents occurring in the north India and they deserve the highest condemnation. We don't need special laws to check such inhuman acts," she said.
Coming down heavily on khaps, Neerja Ahlawat, deputy director, women study centre, Maharshi Dayanand University, here said that the statement of the khap leader was is a reflection how they have the patronage of political masters, police and society to some extent. "The statement was derogatory and was an exhibition of regressive mindset," she said.
Questioning the khap leader's rationale that they invest lakhs of rupees on their children's education and upbringing, she said, "If parents invest in them, does that mean that children should not use their brain and remain dependent on their parents for everything?" She said that the real purpose of education was to develop scientific temper and independent thinking.
{{/usCountry}}Questioning the khap leader's rationale that they invest lakhs of rupees on their children's education and upbringing, she said, "If parents invest in them, does that mean that children should not use their brain and remain dependent on their parents for everything?" She said that the real purpose of education was to develop scientific temper and independent thinking.
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