Let people have the freedom to live the way they want

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A shocking report about how three individuals, two men and a woman, tried to influence a family in the city, visiting them to talk them out of letting a young Hindu woman marry her Muslim fiance, may have been brought to a close.

The police summoned the men, a report said though the woman visitor's identity has not been revealed and they have been warned to desist from interfering in this matter, and claim they have been issued a very strict warning.

While the accused may dispute the account, there are several points that are extremely disturbing. First up is the temerity of the visitors to try and influence the family and the woman. This is about controlling the woman, taking away her agency so to speak. It happens across in subtle and not-so subtle ways, where the family and outsiders target women, taking away their freedom.

The second of course is the communal angle, where we see interfaith couples, especially, confronted, harassed, intimidated or even subject to violence. This does not happen only in villages but in cities too. While always prevalent, this has been amplified because of social media. This is one of the biggest factors exacerbating an already existent and significant problem.

Most often, it is the woman who is targeted and seen as the repository of honour so to speak of the family. The bogey of Love Jihad, in vogue now, is all part of what we are witnessing - the deep divides, the fear and no option but to stay silent.

The woman must have recourse to avenues if troubled and the couple whatever they decide ahead and must have the freedom to choose. That is the crux and the only aspect that matters, that people have a right to live their lives the way they want, within the law.