At least thirteen rape cases have been reported in Haryana over the last 30 days - a disturbing statistic. Perhaps even more disconcerting is the diktat that a member of state's Khap Panchayat, or self-styled council of village heads, issued late last week, in an attempt to stem such crimes. He said girls and boys should be married by age 16 to prevent rape. Under current law, men in India can get married at 21 years and woman at 18 years.
The chairwoman of the Haryana State Commission for Women, Sushila Sharma, has been one of the most outspoken voices from the Haryana government decrying the recent outbreak of rape and criticizing the men that commit the crimes. She spoke to India Ink on Thursda y about the need for stricter punishment for rapists and the role of the Khap Panchayats in protecting citizens.
What do you think of the diktat issued by a Khap Panchayat member in Haryana about reducing the marriageable age to 16 years?
This is their thinking. I want to say, Do they see the age of those involved in these incidents? It is traumatic for the girl and her family.
In which direction is our culture headed? Going into the 21st century doesn't simply mean just watching television or surfing the Internet.
People who commit rapes are drug addicts and alcoholics. We found that when we visited the site of the incident. When their repressed emotions are ignited, their minds are blocked - they don't consider the age of the opposite sex and perform such crimes.
What is the constitutional validity of the Khap Panchayats?
They have existed since pre-independence days, when we did not have a proper legal stru cture in the country. These groups were active in mobilizing people during the freedom movement. They were well-respected village elders.
We want to know why they made such a statement.
Laws exist in this country. The law will not be changed on the basis of what they say. It is not a legal body; it is a collective body, as opposed to Panchayats, which are elected.
How do you explain the fact, that the Khap Panchayats often exercise vigilante justice?
They don't take the law in their hands. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to support them.
Why has no action been taken against the Khap Panchayats?
The reason is that when personal fights and disputes are resolved in villages, no one gets to know what these groups are doing. It's only when such bigger issues come up that they get noticed. Now that we know, we will talk to them.
The number of rape cases is on the rise in Haryana. What would you say is the reason?
The media is mor e aware and reporting more on the issue. And women are also coming out and reporting about these cases.
I think the youth are going astray. Our youth is our power. And if power is misused then there is problem. The society stands on the shoulders of women, and the youth need to be sensitized about that.
Our girls are doing so well in the field of education, science and everywhere. We should not get pessimistic when such things happen.
What can be done to improve the situation?
There is need for strict punishment. A girl who suffers the trauma of rape is socially ostracized. She leads a life where she is neither dead nor alive. A person who commits rape, even if he gets punishment, after getting out from jail he threatens and harasses the girl's family. He should also be ostracized for his actions. The agony of the girl should be felt by him.
What is specifically being done to make women feel safer in your state?
There is no quick-fix solut ion. We are trying to change the thinking of the youth by organizing empowerment programs in colleges and universities. We are aware that women of all ages are being harassed, not only in villages but everywhere. Women need to be empowered mentally and physically as well. In schools we are trying to teach girls karate.
If a man commits rape, his mother, being a woman, should come out and condemn his actions and not support him. A woman should respect another woman.
I have always said this: It is very easy to become parents, but it is very difficult to ensure that your child grows with the right kind of thinking and values.
You recently said that rapists should be castrated. Wasn't that an extreme statement?
The girl who was raped in Sacha Khera [in Jind] killed herself after the incident. How do you feel about that? I don't think it was an extreme statement. They need to feel the pain of a woman.
(The interview was translated from Hindi, and has been lightly edited.)
