Love birds flock to nearby resorts, halls to avoid Shiv Sena threats

Jaipur, Feb 14 (UNI) Couples here celebrated their Valentine's Day today far away from the city to avoid Shiv Sena's threat to spoil their love day.

Shiv Sainiks numbering more than 100 raided city's Central Park, Raja Park, Gaurav Towers and some hotels to protest Valentine's Day celebrations, saying it signifies the influence of Western culture.

The police seemed to be an onlooker at the Central Park as the protestors tried to climb into the park, which is a known love spot in the city. They shouted slogans and tried to threaten the couples in the park. However, they were not allowed to enter the park as the gates were closed after they arrived.

Apart from Shiv Sena, some other organisations like Sanskriti Bachao Samiti has also come forward to protest against the celebrations saying it is totally against Indian culture.

Yesterday, as a prior warning, Shiv Sainiks burnt greeting cards and warned youngesters to stay out of the parks.

Meanwhile, couples preferred to go to resorts a little far from the city like Silser in Alwar and on the Ajmer highway to celebrate the 'Day of Hearts' in their own way. A lingering lunch and an outing among the Aravallis is the way lovers celebrated Valentine's day.

''Who wants to face the Shiv Sena ruckus in the city? A day far away from the city is ideal for a day like this,'' says love struck Sunita.

Many of the city hotels are arranging low-key parties on the day to avoid trouble from the Shiv Sena.

Many other young couples are flocking to city multiplex where there would be no hassles of such attacks. As the lights dim, love would definitely float.

UNI