Letter: Forced marriages

Sir: Asian families have much to commend them ("Asian girl rescued by judge's trickery", 29 May). Strong community support has enabled them to survive and achieve success against the odds. These family units must be preserved and strengthened.

But Asian culture and tradition needs to evolve recognising the aspirations of a younger generation who, being brought up in two cultures, desire freedom without losing the support of their family and community structures.

There has been a long-standing need for national, regional and local forums for Asians to discuss these issues and prevent more tragedies (like the girl who was murdered by her mother and brother because they believed she had dishonoured her family). A conspiracy of silence has surrounded these issues for too long.

RAM GIDOOMAL

Sutton,

Surrey