CHANDIGARH: Moving away from the long-associated regressive mindset, Khap Panchayats in Haryana have refused to accept the bizarre diktats issued against the women in the state, like the one recently issued by the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) on the use of cell phones and not wearing denims. The Khaps have come out in the support of women in the state.
Talking with the Sunday Standard, Sunil Jaglan of Nogama Khap says, “We recently held a meeting in this regard. It was decided that any diktat to the girls on jeans or mobile phones will be opposed by us. We will approach the concerned authorities against the people who give wrong and baseless statements against girls and their liberty. If still nothing happens, we will move the court. We hope the government takes action against these individuals and organisations. We are also writing to the government and the state and national commission for women in this regard.’’ Lalit Bharadwaj of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha says, “We have a two-point agenda. The girls studying in schools and colleges should not wear jeans. In order to check the increasing obscenity, they should not use mobile phones. We will meet the Haryana CM ML Khattar soon and put forth our demands. We have demanded a dress code for girls in schools and colleges. Girls’ attire should cover the body and should not be indecent. They should not wear skimpy clothes.’’
Tulsi Grewal, chief of Mehan Khap said that they do not agree with the views of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha . “This is old thinking. Today, girls are competing with men in all the fields and doing well. Times have changed. One should use all opportunities and technologies.’’
Previously, Haryana Khaps refused to support a diktat by a Muzaffarnagar Khaps that had banned the use of mobile phones and the wearing of jeans by unmarried girls. Girls have equal rights as boys, the Haryana Khaps had stated. The development was significant. Usually, diktats issued by one Khap get the support of all other Khaps in the country, even if they happen to be bizarre ones. The Khap leaders in Haryana have also countered the view that western culture has fuelled crime against women.