Hindus, Pro and Con, Square Off on Valentines Day

[Guest guest]

Bhopal, INDIA (Feb 13, 2007): With right wing groups opposing

Valentine's Day celebrations and women's organisations vowing to

protect young lovers, Madhya Pradesh police Tuesday issued notices

to leaders of the protagonists, warning them against disrupting

public peace.

 

Those issued notices for attempting to cause fear to the public

include leaders of Bajrang Dal, National Students Union of India

(NSUI), Savarna Samaj Party and the women's wing of the Nationalist

Congress Party (NCP). They have also been asked to sign bonds

ranging from Rs.20,000 to Rs.50,000 for not violating the law under

any circumstances.

 

The hardline Hindu groups have threatened to marry off young couples

meeting in public places like parks and restaurants Feb 14.

 

Meanwhile, two women's groups, belonging to the Sawarna Samaj Party

(SSP) and the Rashtriya Secular Manch (RSM), have decided to take on

those threatening to oppose Valentine's Day celebrations in the

state, ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

 

If the SSP is threatening Bajrang Dal members with a mace (Lord

Hanuman's weapon), the RSM has decided to form baton-wielding groups

of women to dissuade Bajrang Dal activists from disturbing lovers

Wednesday on the Valentine's Day. These women's wings have declared

to provide the necessary security to citizens if the state

government fails to do so.

 

The Congress' student wing National Students' Union of India (NSUI)

too has decided to oppose "any act of the Bajrangis."

 

"The bonds would be invoked against the leaders if social harmony is

disturbed and peace is affected on Valentine's Day due to their

actions," Additional Police Superintendent G.K. Pathak told IANS.

 

Police personnel will be deployed at hotels, restaurants and picnic

spots across the state in view of the warning issued by the Bajrang

Dal and other groups.

 

"We will not let anyone interfere in the personal freedom of

individuals. Action will be taken against those trying to take law

into their own hands," said Anant Kumar Singh, Superintendent of

Police, Bhopal.

 

Hardline groups say Valentine's Day celebrations are a symbol

of "cultural corruption." However, moral policing has not dampened

the enthusiasm of youngsters who throng stores to buy cards and

gifts for their valentines.

 

SOURCE: EarthTimes.org, © Indo-Asian News Service

URL: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/30111.html