Amid outrage over a string of rape cases in Haryana, khap panchyats in the state have come out with a bizarre suggestion that the marriageable age limit should be done away with claiming it will check such crimes while the ruling Congress saw a “conspiracy” in the incidents.
Concerned over teenaged girls being targeted, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Sunday stepped in seeking explanation from the state government in each case, including action taken against the culprits. “Boys and girls should be married by the time they turm 16 years old, so that they do not stray... This will decrease the incidents of rape,” Sube Singh, a khap representative, said.
Another khap member said, “As soon as the children attain puberty, it is natural for them to have sexual desires but when these are not fulfilled, they stray... So there should not be any minimum age limit for marriage.” The comments from members of the influential caste councils came a day after a teenaged dalit girl immolated herself after being raped in Narwana area in Jind district, the 12th incident of rape in Haryana within a month.