Hindu groups protest against Valentines Day celebrations across India Varanasi | February 14, 2006 9:17:20 PM IST
Hardline Hindu groups held loud protests against Valentines Day celebrations on Tuesday across India saying its was a foreign festival that corrupted traditional values. In Varanasi, activists of the Shiv Sena took to the streets along with priests to conduct marriages of whosoever seen indulging in indecent activities. Cards were burnt and anti-Valentine-celebration slogans were raised to voice the protests. Its celebrated in western countries and we do not support it. We are roaming the streets around with priests who will conduct marriages of whoever is found indulging in any indecent acts, said Gulshan Kapoor, a Shiv Sena activist. Saint Valentines Day has become increasingly popular in India in recent years, a trend led by retailers who do healthy business selling heart-shaped balloons and fluffy teddy bears. But the growing popularity of the day has also sparked protests, which have sometimes turned violent. Elsewhere in Nagpur, police arrested rowdy activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal who whisked away couples from parks. These activists were forcibly whisking people and so we have arrested them under section 68 and 69,said Sanjeev Kumar Singhal, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Nagpur. In Indore, effigies were burnt to protest against the celebrations. On Monday, dozens of sword-wielding activists used loudspeakers in Bhopal to ask couples to stay indoors on Tuesday. On Sunday, in Mumbai, activists of the Shiv Sena, vandalised a gift shop and set fire to bundles of cards in a warning to shop owners and young lovers, a police official said. Groups like the Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena are part of a growing tribe of cultural vigilantes opposed to what they see as increasing mimicry of the West, especially by teenagers. Such groups have in the past stopped the screening of controversial films dealing with homosexuality and the plight of widows forced into prostitution, saying they denigrated Indias ancient traditions. (ANI) -- Peace be with you! Gabe Menezes. London, England
