Khap mahapanchayat pledges to stop honour killing, dowry

In a significant move, the 'Sarv Jatiya Khap Mahapanchayat' (all castes' council) in Haryana here today took a pledge to oppose honour killing and prevent dowry system in the state.
A decision to this effect was taken at the meeting of the mahapanchayat attended by representatives of around 150 khaps across Haryana mostly from Rohtak, Jhajjar, Sonipat, Jind, Rewari and Bhiwani at Gohar village here.
Mahapanchayat's coordinator Hardeep Ahlawat said the khaps pledged to oppose honour killing and dowry system in Haryana.
"Honour killing can be put to an end by deliberations among the members of khaps and families of those boys and girls who decide to marry each other," he said.

He said the khaps will propagate the message to prevent honour killing across the state.
"We will help those who will come forward against honour killings in the state," he said, adding that the mahapanchayat "unanimously" decided to hand over stringent punishment to those involved in honour killing.

Besides, the members of khaps also pledged not to accept dowry so that the social evil can be curbed.
Ahlawat said the members of khaps also decided to socially boycott those involved in accepting dowry and indulging in honour killing.
The mahapanchayat included the representatives of khaps of Rohtak Chourasia, Hooda, Ahlawat, Athgaman, Dalal, Dahiya and Malik.