Muslim mothers accused of honour killings

INDIA - Muslim mothers in a northern Indian town have been arrested on accusations they killed their daughters for dishonouring the family by eloping with Hindu men, police said. Newlyweds Zahida, 19, and Husna, 26, were strangled when they returned home after marrying men of their own choosing, police officer Anil Kumar Kusan said. Marriages between Hindus and Muslims are rare in India and are frowned upon by both communities, although there are more instances of inter-religious marriages among the educated urban population. Across India, many marriages are still arranged by families. But with the booming economy and more women entering the workforce, such traditions are slowly giving way to love matches. Centuries-old caste and community barriers still come into play, however, and there has been a spurt in "honour killings" in recent years across northern India. Full Story>>