Rohtak, Nov 1 (IANS) Soon after a young couple was ousted from its village in Haryana’s Jhajjar district for “violating” social norms by marrying within the same clan, another couple in the state faced a similar fate Sunday in Rohtak district.
Village khap panchayat (clan council) of Sundana village, around 15 km from here, pronounced ouster of 21-year-old Karambir and 19-year-old Pooja, at its meeting here Sunday, for “bringing dishonour” to their families.

The khap panchayat observed that the two hailed from neighbouring villages and, therefore, they held a relation of brother and sister.

After marrying nearly four months ago, Karambir and Pooja were staying at his house at Sundana village. However, they left for New Delhi few days back.

Pooja belonged to Balambh village, just 2 km from Sundana. After falling in love, the couple eloped and got married in July this year.

“Sundana and Balambh villages share boundaries with each other. The couple had flouted the norms of khap as no marriage can take place btween the boy and the girl of these villages as per our traditions,” a senior member of village khap said.

“Earlier a meeting, to discuss this matter, was held in Sundana village, two days before Diwali. Khap panchayat had summoned the family members and decided to take up the issue after the festival season. The panchayat has dealt very leniently with the couple,” he added.

During the couple’s stay in the village, some villagers raised objection and brought this issue to the notice of the khap panchayat.

Karambir’s father was also present at the panchayat meeting and he accepted the verdict.

District police chief Anil Kumar Rao said: “We are always ready for couple’s rescue. We would protect their life and property if they come to visit the village.”