TWO khap panchayats in northern India have almost simultaneously advanced two starkly different messages, one revolting and the other remarkably encouraging. As an ultra-conservative Hindu outfit, a khap panchayat in UP’s Baghpat district has engaged in an exercise in moral instruction that is repugnant, decidedly anti-feminist and seeks to turn the clock back to buttress an antediluvian social philosophy. … …[T]the sermonising could well turn out to be a fatwa unless the administration is suitably bold to confront such nonsense. … The edict in Baghpat verges on Taliban fundamentalism…. Chiefly, a ban has been ordered on women visiting markets, using cellphones and being seen with their heads uncovered.

In refreshing contrast, however, is the Jind mahapanchayat’s decision to crack down on female foeticide, a bold initiative that has been welcomed by the Haryana Chief Minister as one that ought to act as the harbinger of social change. It could also be a harbinger of change for the khap’s philosophy no less. … Indeed, female foeticide — reminiscent of 19th century India — and marriage outside one’s caste or within the same gotra are the two forbidding challenges that confront the Hindi heartland, including the national capital region. — (July 20)

Inexcusable violence

THE Haryana director-general of police has done well to set up a special investigation team to identify the workers who resorted to the brutal, barbaric attack on Maruti officials at the carmaker’s Manesar plant, close to Delhi.

The Japanese embassy has already given a statement hoping that the Haryana government will act promptly to punish the culprits and enforce law and order so that such incidents are not repeated. Maruti is the country’s largest car maker, particularly in the small hatchback segment.

The reasons for the gruesome violence, which has literally destroyed the Maruti plant, must be examined in detail as there seems to be more than meets the eye in the continuous and escalating worker-management confrontation. The factory has witnessed a strike and serious labour unrest for several years.

The reasons for Wednesday’s violence range from an alleged casteist statement by a supervisor to better wages for contract workers and harsh working conditions. The company is said to have more contract workers than permanent employees on its rolls.

The possibility of ugly union rivalry cannot be ruled out. Whatever the provocation, and however justified the workers’ grievances, such violence cannot be condoned. (July 20)