For the past few years, reports of protests and opposition from Hindutva organizations on Valentine’s Day have surfaced. This year, a similar incident has been reported from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Activists of the Hindu Jagriti Manch were seen patrolling parks with sticks and batons on Wednesday, checking the identity cards of couples. Several visuals have surfaced on social media, showing members of the Hindu Jagriti Manch questioning couples.
According to a report by the Hindi newspaper Dainik Bhaskar, organisation members Vipin and Ajay interrogated young individuals at Swarn Jayanti Park and verified their identities.
The outfit claims that February 14 marks the anniversary of the Pulwama attack and, therefore, young people should stay home and light a lamp in remembrance of the martyrs. They stated that they would monitor malls and parks, checking the Aadhaar cards of visitors. If necessary, they would also contact the families of young individuals.
The organisation’s members alleged that some people engage in immoral activities in parks, causing inconvenience to women who come for morning walks. They warned that they would first try to persuade people politely, but if they refused to comply, strict action would be taken.
Meanwhile, after videos of the activists went viral on social media, many users criticised the Hindu Jagriti Manch members.
One user termed it “outright hooliganism” and urged the police to take action against those involved.
“Ahead of Valentine’s Day, lathi-wielding men claiming to be members of a right wing group have begun harassing couples visiting parks in Ghaziabad district of UP. This is happening barely 40 kms from the national capital of India,” wrote a user.
