This study presents romance tragedy of Romeo and Juliet style as a phenomenon that can be found in many cultures with recorded history. In spite of the illegality of lethal violence toward lovers in western countries and in spite of the adoption of a democratic constitution in India in 1950, stories of the public murder of dedicated lovers, especially in Northern India, began coming to worldwide attention in the media only since 1993. Through personal contacts in India and Nepal, real life stories of gross personal and community tragedy involving mainly the Hindu and Muslim religions have been collected. These stories are examined looking for a path of progress in terms of reconciliation and acceptance. |
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