Delhi activist plans to raise 2,000 men against Khap

Pest control: Harsh Malhotra with a bottle of pepper spray that couples like the one above can use to defeat goons. Pic/Rajeev Tyagi

They used to be known as village elders before they started enforcing their writ upon young couples, killing those who did not comply.
But there is hope for them who still want to pursue their relationships transgressing social boundaries.

A Delhi-based activist has come up with a novel idea of raising about 2,000 men and women against the killer panchayats, to be known as Love Commandos. The new force would help lovers from across castes and religions to culminate their relationships into marriage.

The service, which will be formally launched on Wednesday, will also constitute a 24-hour helpline number, 9313784375. Couples can call up the number to seek help about marriage, laws, security and other issues. They can also seek counselling from the in-house experts.

Harsh Malhotra, the brain behind the concept, told MiD DAY that it was high time that society should react to the indiscriminate killings at the behest of Khap panchayats in northern India.

Malhotra explained that they would also try to get assistance from the police for couples who feel threatened.
"We have carefully planned each and everything. The moment we receive a call, we will direct the caller's number to the local team located in that area. Immediately, intervention of the police will be sought in the case and proper protection will be given. The second step would be to take the couple to the court," Malhotra said.
Apart from volunteers, Malhotra's team will consist of senior lawyers and priests.

The lawyers team will be headed by Pradeep Chaudhary, a senior advocate of Supreme Court. Love Commando will have volunteers across the country except North Eastern states.

Law and order

Nineteen honour killings took place between April 9 and June 30. That translates to 80 days and roughly, one murder every four days. The union government is planning to constitute a committee of women experts soon to find out the reasons behind it and take remedial measures. The government is also expected to bring a bill in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to provide for deterrent punishment for so-called honour killings. The Bill envisages amendments to several related acts, including the Evidence Act, and the onus would be on the accused to prove their innocence. Read Next Story T3 flagged off, but with breakers› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT