Death for Honour

In the rural areas of India, killing for honour is still widely practised. In the video, a mother strangled her pregnant daughter of six months and her daughter’s lover to death. A newly married couple were shot to death by the bride’s father, relatives and brother. Also, a 19 year old woman was thrown to death in a canal, but survived. Their offence was marrying outside of their caste.

In the past, Hindus were defined by their caste. The caste system divided the society and dictated that a person born into one caste is not allowed to change castes or mix with members of other castes. Therefore, the lower castes were forbidden to marry the upper castes. Today, the caste system which has been made illegal for more than fifty years has prompted the majority of Indian citizens to eradicate the division in society and treat all as equal. To the minority, however, the caste system which is a part of their culture is still being practised.

The parents, relatives and siblings, who murdered their kin, share the same belief that marrying outside of their caste brings great dishonour to the family. In their opinion, such an act of betrayal to one’s caste and shame to the family deserves a severe punishment in the form of murder. Often, the families’ communities largely support these murders.

These acts of murder clearly illustrates that culture has a huge influence on society. In the abovementioned society, their cultural beliefs represent their understanding about what is true. Heavily influenced by their ancestors practise of only marrying into ones caste, the society has created an understanding that this practise is true and should be followed. Not doing so, will cause shame, dishonour and ridicule to the family by society. And thus, they feel that the offenders should be punished severely regardless of the questions on morality and human rights it poses.

The practise of honour killing transcends cultures and religions. It is committed for various offences such as refusal to follow religion, refusing arranged marriages, marital infidelity, pre-marital sex etc. Apart from India, the countries that commonly practise it are Egypt, Israel, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.

Though cultural values and beliefs should be practised and preserved through the passage of time, I believe that it should be done with proper understanding and accurate knowledge. Perhaps a lack of education and blind faith or misinterpretations of religious teachings with a personal agenda has promoted the idea of honour killings in many cultures and religions. I feel that the government of countries that practise honour killings should take steps to eradicate this practise by implementing stricter laws and educating the minority groups on eliminating this practise.

What are your views on honour killing?