Valentine day passes off with sporadic violence in Shimla

Shimla, Feb 14 (UNI) Minor incidents of violence marred the Valentine Day celebrations in the state capital here with Hindutva's moral policemen in BJP's Yuva Morcha staged a protest outside the Shimla Municipal Corporation building against the celebrations.

As many as half a dozen youngsters received minor injuries in three separate incidents of minor scuffle in the heart of the town, including the Mall and the Ridge areas.

While a few teenagers exchanged blows after heated arguments near the Rotary town hall on the Mall, the other two incidents took place near the Church on historic The Ridge Maidan here.

However, no cases were registered with the police in this regard.

Tourist and local couples were seen in large numbers celebrating the Valentine day on the historic Ridge and the Mall Street, which also witnessed a rush of youngsters.

Couples, especially the tourists were seen walking hand in hand, enjoying the company.

Newly wed Mr Deepak and Ms Sujata were ecstatic at their first Valentine. ''We are glad to celebrate Valentine amidst snow hill slopes here in Shimla. It is a new experience for us.'' Not to be left behind the young boys and girls could be seen searching for better half.

''Inspite the chill, nothing will deter me to hunt for suitable match, I hope that Cupid God will response to my prayers by helping me find my Valentine,'' said Amit, a private bank employee strolling on the Mall along with his group of friends.

Meanwhile, a local bakery owner maintained that not just teenagers but elderly people have shown enthusiasm in placing orders for cake.

''This year we offered special strawberry cakes to our customers and the business has been reasonably good. I have received over 100 orders for cakes and expecting more orders by the evening,'' he said.

In tune with the ambience, restaurants and the leading eating joints were also decorated to brace up the occasion.

Not to be left behind, various mobile companies pepped up the occasion by contest, besides some organized a dance party for the couples on this special occasion.

Airtel organized Valentine Day contest for its customers here.

The Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM) staged a protest outside the Shimla Municipal Corporation building against Valentine Day celebrations, besides criticizing the delay in the execution of death punishment of Afzal Guru convicted in the Parliament attack case.

The BJYM activists were demanding immediate execution of Afzal's death sentence.

Stating the attitude of UPA government towards terrorism as 'soft', the activist shouted slogans against the central government.

UNI AS HS BP1912