Shiv Sainiks stop valentine day celebrations in Aurangabad

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Feb 14 (UNI) Shiv Sainiks virtually halted Valentine Day celebrations in the city today.

The Shiv Sainiks, led by their district unit president Ambadas Danwe, moved around various locations in the city to maintain a vigil on the celebrations.

While, at a few places, the Shiv Sainiks politely explained to the youth the rationale behind their opposition to the celebrations, at a few other places, however, they made the youths, who were found celebrating the day, do sit-ups.

''We are not against love. But, the Valentine Day celebrations is against our culture and we will not allow any dent to it,'' Mr Danwe told UNI. ''Ours was a symbolic opposition,'' he said.

Meanwhile, the city Youth Congress tried to counter the agitation. None of the city hotels hosted Valentine Day parties fearing reprisal.

The posh Nirala Bazar, Cannaught Place, and MGM Complex, where the youth normally gather, today wore a deserted look. Valentine Day greetings cards too were not available openly in the city.

UNI