The Hindu : National : Threats won't deter them

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 15, 2005

National

National

Threats won't deter them

NEW DELHI, FEB. 14. Cupid-struck couples across the country today celebrated Valentine's Day undettered by threats, protests and vandalisation of restaurants by saffron outfits whose 70 activists were arrested.

Youngsters, attired in red and white thronged card and gift shops which were decorated colourfully with heart shaped red balloons, banners and posters, to attract customers and flower shops too did a roaring business.

Police kept a hawk's eye on all favourite jaunts of lovers allowing the love-struck to celebrate the day smoothly.

Crossing swords with the cupid's arrows, Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena activists played spoilsport in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh making the event a subdued affair but it was celebration as usual in the national capital and other parts of the country. About 40 Shiv Sainiks were arrested in Indore in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh were festivities were low key but it was celebrated with zest in Gujarat. At Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Shiv Sainiks vandalised some restaurants, misbehaved with couples and forced the closure of gift shops. In Maharashtra, nine Shiv Sainiks were taken into preventive custody after their protest in Andheri while in Pune sainiks pelted stones at the office of a private radio channel.

Goans celebrated the day with an enthusiasm and spirit typical of their fun loving nature as couples expressed their undying love for one another.

Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena activists disrupted Valentine's Day celebrations at Hoshiarpur in Punjab. — PTI

Lovers commit suicide

UNI reports from Malda (West Bengal): A teenaged pair committed suicide by jumping from a foot-over bridge on rail tracks to ``immortalise'' their love on Valentine's Day. Police said Sanjoy Mondal (18) and Rumpa Sarkar (14), who were having an affair for the last two years, escaped from their homes last night as the girl was being pressured to get married elsewhere.

The couple then jumped from the Nemaisarai rail bridge onto the tracks and died on the spot.

A pall of gloom descended on the entire town as the news spread.

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