HONOUR KILLINGS IN PAKISTAN AND INDIA

ARVIND K PANDEY

It’s indeed appalling to read about the no-holds-barred brutal treatment meted out to the women in Pakistan today. The honour killings by the self-appointed custodians of morality are by-products of the narrow minded perceptions of chauvinistic era. These people are unable to rise above perverse tendencies of feudal times which clearly call for stricter measures to pressure their complete elimination for having grossly violated the human rights. Their mindless acts have not only robbed the peace of mind of these hapless women but also wiped out their ability to live with dignity.In addition , the dubious remark of Mushrraf that rapes are the weapon employed by the women to win International sympathy and grants add fuel to the fire. At the same time I would like to mention that honour killing is very common in India as well, especially in regions dominated by the upper caste. I wonder why they haven’t got in league with the changes that have occurred, the changes that advocate the application of more open-minded approaches. This is not to suggest that amoral way of living is to be accepted as something natural or be encouraged. What I intend to say is that given the complexities that have entered into our lives a rational view should replace such outrageous and barbaric practices. Let none be subjected to such humiliation and torture. More so in an era when women have learnt to overcome stigmas, attaining newer heights with each passing day.