Anti-Valentine activists bashed up in Muzzafarnagar

Lucknow, Feb 14 (UNI) With public parks closed for the day and anti-Valentine activists on the prowl, couples found refuge in city malls today even as a group of love doves bashed up anti-V day activists in Muzzafarnagar.

The city-based malls recorded a massive turn out with hundreds of love-struck couples turning to the new-found destination. Several public parks were closed for the day. Though there was no official reason, keepers said the decision was taken to any avoid trouble today.

The Lucknow Zoological park was yet another place where couples found peace to spend the day. Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel were deployed in the zoo premises to take on protestors.

In Muzzafarnagar, lovers turned the tables on anti-Valentine activists when members of Hindu Kranti Dal were bashed up at Nai Mandi area. Couples joined hands to chase away the activists.

Condemning the observance of Valentine's Day as an example of increasing western influence over Indian society, Shiv Sena have performed 'latth puja' (cane worship) at the Hanuman temple near Saint Jones square to teach a lesson to all 'Laila-Majnus' in the Taj city.

However, playing 'hide and seek', love birds have thronged the would famous Taj Mahal to express their love to each other.

Sporadic incidents in form of protests by various saffron outfits were witnessed on Valentine's Day in the holy city of Varanasi, despite tight security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident.

While the Shiv Sena activists carried out anti-V'day procession in the city, its breakaway faction Kranti Shiv Sena took out a mock funeral procession on Valentine's Day.

The Shiv Sena activists in their bid to check Valentine's Day celebration were seen loitering around cinema halls, restaurants, gift and flower shops, besides parks and shopping malls.

They also trouped down to the Ganga ghat -- one of the favourite haunts of the love doves -- and forced a young girl to tie 'rakhi' on the forearm of her boy friend, besides compelling another duo to undergo mock marriage at the Ahilyabai Ghat.

Responding to the anti-V'day brigade, activists of the Samajwadi Chattra Sabha (SCS) -- student wing of ruling Samajwadi Party -- carried out a motor cycle procession here to spread the message of love.

Meanwhile, sensing the threat of saffron brigade, the Valentines stayed away from celebrations with valentine hotspots like the Ravidas Park remaining empty, Security at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus and IP call was beefed to prevent any untoward incident.

UNI