Chandigarh, Sep 30 : Despite their controversial record, Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda feels that Haryana's 'khap panchayats' - community councils that have ordered honour killings in the past - are still part of the state's traditions and values.

"Khaps have never brought a bad name to Haryana. Who says they have caused discomfort or embarrassment to us? Khaps are part of our 'sanskriti' (traditions)," said Hooda while addressing reporters here Wednesday. The state assembly polls are to be held Oct 13.

He added: "Some times they do go to excessive levels, but all of them are not like this. Due to this, some of them have also lost their sanctity."

Khap panchayats are known for their notorious decisions in the community that have many times led to honour killings, social boycott and violent spats in various parts of Haryana.

A few months ago, a family was forced to leave their village in Jhajjar district of Haryana on the orders of a khap panchayat for marrying their son to a girl from the same clan.

In July this year, a 21-year-old man, who had married against the wishes of his community, was lynched by a village mob in the presence of 15 policemen and one court official.

However, the Hooda government has kept itself away from such killings and illegal decisions of khap panchayats, given the domination of Jats in the state's social and political fabric, with most members of the community being firm believers in the system of khap panchayats.(IANS)