Like all New Zealanders, I was appalled by the murder of Ranjeeta Sharma in Huntly near Hamilton on January 20. Like all people, I said that the person or persons responsible for leaving her burnt body should be brought to justice.
And like all Indians, I was aghast at the way in which this murder was twisted to equate it to ‘Honour Killing.’
But a statement that I issued to The Waikato Times became a subject of controversy in the public domain. Since then, I have received many telephone calls and emails. I have been called a ‘fool,’ ‘an anti-social element’, ‘unfit to be an Indian’ and a community leader’ and so on. A few of the so-called ‘patriots’ said that I was ‘a stupid a*/*@*le.’
The statement read inter-alia, “… but the manner in which Mrs Sharma died did not surprise Waikato Indian Cultural Society President Roy Vellara, who said the name ‘Sharma’ was common in North India where most honour killings were performed.”
I did not make this comment; it was apparently derived from my answers to the reporter’s questions. I support this statement because its content is a fact.
I am not the President but Secretary and spokesman of the Waikato Indian Cultural Society. The Society, established 21 years ago, has solved many cultural issues related to Indians in Waikato. Our doors are open to all those needing help in their cultural clashes. We are proud that we are closely working with the New Zealand Government and other communities in the Waikato region to foster a cohesive community.
‘Honour Killings’ are not new to India. I never said that Honour Killings happen only in India. They have been reported in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, and other Mediterranean and Persian Gulf countries. In many cases, Honour Killing in India was a result of people marrying without their family’s acceptance, adultery or dowry.
In 1990, the ‘National Commission for Women’ (NCW) set up a statutory body to address the issue of Honour Killings among some ethnic groups. It reviewed constitutional, legal and the challenges faced by women. The NCW’s activism has contributed significantly towards the reduction of Honour Killings in rural areas.
In June 2010, scrutinising the increasing number of Honour Killings, the Supreme Court of India issued notices to the Central Government and six States to take preventive measures against the social evil.
More than 1000 young people have been done to death every year owing to ‘Honour Killings.’ These killings are a result of self-contradictory fight between tradition and neo-cauterised generation.
The above being facts, I cannot understand the crocodile tears of some Indian community leaders and the so-called ‘Indian patriots.’
It is not up to me or that of the Indian Cultural Society to determine the cause of Ranjeeta Sharma’s murder. It is the duty of the New Zealand Police. I was only giving my honest opinion about the primary suspicion of the Police.
We are living in a developed society where we can practice and develop our own culture. I am not saying that Honour Killings are the culture of Sharmas from North India or that it is a Hindu ritual. Such killings in India are related to the evil practice of uneducated Indian people. India is not a place that is subdivided from heaven.
Roy Vellara is General Secretary of Indian Cultural Society Inc based in Hamilton. Readers may send their views to editor@indiannewslink.co.nz or comment online www.indiannewslink.co.nz
