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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Khaps attempt image makeover, moot inter-caste marriages -Sukhbir Siwach

Khaps attempt image makeover, moot inter-caste marriages -Sukhbir Siwach

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published Published on Oct 16, 2013   modified Modified on Oct 16, 2013
-The Times of India


CHANDIGARH: In an attempt to cleanse their image, especially after their opposition to marriages in the name of traditions, the khap panchayats have decided to support inter-caste marriages in Haryana. However, a section of social activists have termed it as a gimmick in view of the continuing honour killings, saying, "The khaps incite villagers in the name of so-called traditions."

Apart from same-gotra and same-village marriages, khaps have been opposing marriages within a cluster of villages also, citing "brotherhood traditions among villagers living in the area." As such, the latest move is widely seen as a tactic to gain support from different sections of the society, sources said, as diktats by khaps have created problems for lovers in the past.

Recently, leaders of 70 khaps met in Jind, where they decided to support inter-caste marriages, apart from discussing others issues. Confirming the development, Tek Ram Kandela, who presided over the panchayat, told TOI on Tuesday that their initiative -- encouraging inter-caste marriages -- was aimed at ending the problems created by casteism.

"We will soon organize a khap mahapanchayat at Delhi, in which khaps from different parts of the country will be invited, so as to take them along on the issue," said Kandela, who is heading the Kandela khap, comprising 28 villages.

Satrol khap representative, D P Vats, who had moved the proposal for inter-caste marriages during the Jind gathering, said, "There is scientific basis to support inter-caste marriages as cross-breeding is better for reproduction. However, we won't support inter-caste marriages within the same village or within villages which have brotherhood tradition," Vats added.

Meanwhile, social activist D R Chaudhry, who has been criticizing khaps over their diktats, has termed the latest move as an attempt to improve their image. "Khap leaders just want to pose as liberals, in view of opposition to them from different quarters. In reality, these bodies don't support inter-caste marriages, citing one or the other reason," said Chaudhry, a former member of Haryana administrative reforms commission.

"Ravinder, 27, and Jyoti, 19, were both from different castes and villages of Rohtak district, but khap panchayats did not support their alliance, citing brotherhood tradition among the villagers. Fearing for life , the couple has not returned to their villages after they married on September 15 in a temple in Delhi," said Chaudhry. In the past also, khaps had been opposing inter-caste marriages, he pointed out.

However, Ved Prakash Vidrohi, president of an NGO, has welcomed the initiative of khaps. "It is to be seen whether khaps support inter-caste marriages in reality," he added.

Inter-caste marriages are not normally acceptable in rural Haryana, though there are increasing cases of inter-caste marriages in towns and cities of the state, said sources.


The Times of India, 16 October, 2013, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Khaps-attempt-image-makeover-moot-inter-caste-marriages/articleshow/24218338.cms


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