L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Khaps a grave threat to the rule of law

The editorial “Murderous mindset”(Oct 29) has rightly expressed that the khap-inspired mindset will stop at nothing to punish couples that dare challenge their convoluted notions of “honour”. So, khaps continue to extract a heavy price with a familiarity that is both benumbing and horrifying.

Earlier, a youth was lynched for defying the khap diktat. There are many more instances across India of couples being killed by their families or other villagers or being ostracised for having “dishonoured” their clan by marrying against the norms imposed by the community.

Strangely, the Haryana government is doing little to prevent the growing influence of khaps. Time and again, khaps violate individual’s rights and have passed edicts that infringe upon a person’s freedom of choice. The action of khaps makes it absolutely clear that they have no regard for the law of the land. The state government has given the impression that khaps can get away with anything.

The editorial has rightly advised that the gvernment should give up its inertia and punish khaps. In fact, exemplary punishment should be meted out to them. Violence in the name of family and community honour indicates a barbaric mentality, which should be strongly condemned in a democratic, pluralistic and open society.

DILBAG RAI, Chandigarh

II

Haryana has become a killing field where youth who dare challenge the diktats of khaps are being killed frequently. Khaps are making a mockery of the law.

Such “honour killings” are a national shame. It is shocking that in the 21st century khaps continue to nurse a medieval mindset.

The political parties, instead of consolidating their vote banks, must oppose khap’s obscurantist verdicts.

NUTAN JAIN, Chandigarh

Control prices

The rise in prices of essential articles or commodities has broken the back of the common man. Housewives are finding it difficult to make both ends meet. Milk has become a luxury and fruits are expensive. The country is in the grip of a food crisis.

It is important to overhaul the planning system. Hoarders and profiteers should be brought to book. At least the prices of essential commodities must be brought under control.

SURINDER SHARMA, Jalandhar

PM’s offer

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has done a good job (editorial, “PM’s offer well-meant”, Oct 30). Indeed, his offer to engage in talks with any group in Jammu and Kashmir as long as they shun the path of violence deserves to be welcomed.

The state has suffered a huge loss, economically and politically. It is hoped that the present Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir will try to bring around separatists for a meaningful dialogue with the government.

KHAZAN SINGH, Kapurthala

Remember Patel

Indira Gandhi’s death anniversary and the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel fall on the same date. Both were great leaders. However, functions were organised in the memory of Indira Gandhi and the Iron Man of India was nearly forgotten. Even the media did not bother to remember him.

It goes without saying that the contribution of Sardar Patel during the freedom struggle and in the accession of princely states was immeasurable. We must remember him and his contribution in the making of India.

RAM NIWAS MALIK, Gurgaon

Improve civil services The editorial, “Assessing babus” (Oct 19) was analytical. Civil servants are the backbone of administration. However, it is an open secret that as value-based politics has declined, civil services too have been afflicted with many ills. Today, merit is ignored and dubious elements find a dominant role. There is no accountability. Handpicked pliable officers are assigned plum jobs and transfers are done in a capricious manner. Unless the psyche of the present polity undergoes a sea change, there is no point in hoping for an improvement in the performance of civil services. V I K SHARMA, Jalandhar