India Uncut

Vimalanand Prabhu sends mail in response to my post, "Mumbai's Taliban", to point out that the Shiv Sena are liberals compared to the Kyrgyz of Kyrgyzstan. He cites this New York Times report by Craig S Smith that tells us how "[m]ore than half of Kyrgyzstan's married women were snatched from the street by their husbands in a custom known as 'ala kachuu,' which translates roughly as 'grab and run.'" The article elaborates:

The custom predates the arrival of Islam in the 12th century and appears to have its roots in the region's once-marauding tribes, which periodically stole horses and women from rivals when supplies ran low. It is practiced in varying degrees across Central Asia but is most prevalent here in Kyrgyzstan, a poor, mountainous land that for decades was a backwater of the Soviet Union and has recently undergone political turmoil in which mass protests forced the president to resign.

Kyrgyz men say they snatch women because it is easier than courtship and cheaper than paying the standard "bride price," which can be as much as $800 plus a cow.

Family or friends often press a reluctant groom, lubricated with vodka and beer, into carrying out an abduction.

I am particularly struck by the bit about stealing "horses and women from rivals when supplies ran low". I can just imagine this scene:

"Hey, Kyrgyz Noor Bhrygyz," says Kyrgyz Emir Ghnkryz, "I'm feeling horny and we're running short of supplies here, go and ala kachuu or I'll blow your Kyrgyz head off."

"Ok, Kyrgyz Emir Ghnkryz," says Kyrgyz Noor Bhrygyz. He runs off. Ten minutes later he comes in panting, smelling of vodka and beer, dragging a horse behind him.

"Kyrgyz Noor Bhrygyz," shouts Kyrgyz Emir Ghnkryz. "What have you done, why have you got me a horse? I said I was feeling horny."

"Um, Kyrgyz Emir Ghnkryz," says Kyrgyz Noor Bhrygyz, "did you say horny? I thought you said you were feeling horsy. Sorry."