AIDWA is deeply shocked and outraged at the news of yet another case of “honour” killing that has claimed the life of a young girl, this time in the National Capital. According to the media reports, a 21-year-old girl, who had married out of her own choice outside her community, was strangulated by her parents and relatives after they called her home on the pretext of formalizing the marriage. The girl’s family was reportedly putting immense amount of pressure on her to marry someone within the community, which forced the couple to enter into wedlock at a local AryaSamajMandir.
AIDWA demands immediate arrest of all those who are involved in the killing and that all necessary help should be provided to the husband. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure his safety and security.
It should noted that there are large number of cases of “honour” crime in which the culprits go unpunished and the slow justice delivery system contributes to the growing impunity with which relatives and parents kill young people, who want to exercise their choice in relationships and marriage. The entire system is consumed by patriarchal mindset and colludes. In this situation it is criminal and callous of the Central Government not to pass the very important bill against “honour” crime to address this problem.
While AIDWA will take all possible measures to make sure that justice is done in this case, the organisation along with other women’s organisations is launching a massive campaign on December 10, 2014around the slogan of “My Right, My choice” to fight for the rights of young women.
