Bajrang Dal, VHP men held for protesting V-Day celebrations

Several Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists were taken into custody today from different parts of the city as they held protests against Valentine's Day celebrations. Police has stepped up security in Hyderabad apprehending trouble by right wing groups. As many as 12 VHP activists were taken into preventive custody at Paradise Circle when they held a demonstration and raised slogans seeking to ban on Valentine's Day celebrations, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Saifabad Division) J Surender Reddy told PTI. In Abid road area, Bajrang Dal and VHP workers burnt an effigy and raised slogans. "Seventeen protesters of both the groups were taken into preventive custody," inspector K Srinivas said. Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal leaders warned the youths against celebrating Valentine's Day, saying it was against the Indian culture. Earlier, they had warned the youths that they would perform marriage of couples if they are found publicly displaying affection in parks and other public places. "The boys and girls caught by the activists would be counselled and their parents will be informed about their acts," the local VHP and Bajrang Dal leaders had said. Describing Valentine's Day as against Islam and its culture, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) members also urged the Muslim men and women not to celebrate it. However, the ACP said adequate security has been deployed in the city on the Valentine's Day. "In view of Valentine's Day, security measures are in place near parks and public places. Those who want to celebrate Valentine's Day, they have right to do so and they can move freely," Reddy said. Action will be initiated against all those who try to obstruct, he warned. Meanwhile, students organisations at Osmania University under the banner of 'Indian Lovers Unity' (ILU) decided to celebrate Valentine's Day by holding an open meeting in front of Arts College on the varsity campus. Over 20 student organisations, including the All India Students Federation (AISF), Students Federation of India (SFI), Telangana Vidyavntula Vedika (TVV) have come together to organise the event.