Two Indian states, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh which have recently been in the headlines over love-jihad issues have now contemplated that they will mull a law against love-jihad to avoid further such cases. However, the Haryana government's decision came a day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had announced to formulate an anti-love-jihad law.
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar has said that his government is planning legal provisions against love-jihad to eradicate similar cases across the state. Though, the need for legal provisions has come after the murder of a 21-year-old student in Faridabad's Ballabhgarh
“This (Ballabhgarh) incident needs to be strongly condemned. This incident is being seen linked with the love jihad issue… both the Centre and the state government are taking the love jihad issue very seriously and legal advice is being taken so that such incidents are not repeated. Legal provisions are being contemplated so that the guilty cannot escape and no innocent person is punished,” Khattar told media persons on the sidelines of an event in Karnal on Sunday.
Last week, Nikita Tomar, a 21-year-old college student, was shot dead outside her college in Ballabhgarh by a man. It has been alleged by the family of the victim that the man was forcing her to convert her religion to Islam so they both could get married.
Notably, some Hindu outfits have alleged that the woman’s murder is a case of "love jihad."
Earlier on Saturday, Allahabad High Court's ruling has said that the conversion of religion for the sake of marriage is unacceptable. Thus, this ruling was cited by UP CM Yogi who aims to bring a law to tackle 'love-jihad' cases in the state. CM Yogi has also warned that those involved in such activities would need to mend their ways or be prepared for their last journey.
Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij justified Adityanath’s remarks.
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“Whatever Yogi Adityanath says, he always speaks the truth. The state government is considering bringing legislation to deal with cases pertaining to love jihad. Attempts are being made by unscrupulous elements to force people to convert their religion through love jihad. In Faridabad’s Nikita murder case too, the victim’s family has alleged that Nikita was being forced to change her religion. So, we need to think about it,” Vij said.
Vij added, “We shall hold discussions with the allies and also examine legal issues involved. There are certain points on which discussions are required to be held. The further decision shall be taken accordingly.”
"A law against love jihad is being considered in Haryana. It is a serious issue. If a law is necessary to stop this love jihad, we will bring it," Vij in a tweet said.
However, on Sunday a ‘Mahapanchayat’ was organized by various social organizations in Ballabhgarh to provide justice to Nikita. The Haryana government had set up a three-member special investigation team to probe the case and the police have already arrested three men in the case including the main accused, Tausif.
"The SIT shall also be investigating this. The state government is studying various aspects of this love jihad," he added.