Khaps to meet in Delhi to press for ban on same gotra marriages

CHANDIGARH: To put pressure on the Centre ahead of parliamentary polls, khap panchayats of six states will hold a national conference in Delhi next month, to demand ban on same gotra and same village marriages.

Leaders of more than 100 khaps, who refuse to take the responsibility for honour killings, are likely to attend the conference seeking amendment in the Hindu Marriage Act, said Kandela Khap president Tek Ram Kandela.

Speaking to TOI on Friday, Kandela said khap panchayats from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Punjab would participate in the conference. A national body of khap panchayats will also be constituted, he said.

"The main reason for honour killings is a section of youths trying to marry within same village. That is why khaps panchayats want a complete ban on such alliances. We support inter-caste marriages but oppose same gotra marriages," he added.

A leader of Nogama khap, Sunil Jaglan said a decision would also be taken in the conference on launching an effective campaign against female foeticide. "Khaps would also demand an effective law to curb the incidents of rape," he added.