Cops become match-makers in naxal infested districts of UP

Mirzapur, Apr 18 (UNI) In an attempt to wean away youths from naxalism, police in naxalite-infested districts of East Uttar Pradesh have donned the role of a match-maker.

Twenty-two young couples including the sister-in-law of a wanted naxal extremist were married in a community marriage ceremony organised by the police in the Ahraura area of the district last night.

''The entire idea is to thrust nuptial responsibility on youths, who otherwise may be misled by the naxals into their movement,'' senior police officials associated with the programme said.

The 22 brides whose marriage was solemnised with grooms from their own castes included Rita Devi, Soni from Baraipur village, Rinku, Sanju Devi and Gyandevi, the sister-in-law of wanted naxal Lalbrat Kol.

The integral custom of 'Kanyadan' was performed by district police chief Arun Kumar, while other senior officers present included Divisional Commissioner K M Pandey, the Deputy Inspector General of Police and other administrative and police officers of the district.

Brides, dressed in scarlet saris tied the marital knots with grooms wearing pale yellow dresses inside seperate mandaps bedecked with choicest of flowers and other decoratives.

Each of the newly-wedded couples were gifted with bounty to start their marital life in style. The gifts given by the administration included all wherewithals for a successful homely life including fans, double-beds, necessary utensils and even a cycle each.

UNI XC-ARS VD RS1542