Abhinandan Mishra By

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal on Tuesday issued a stern warning against celebrating Valentine’s Day on Friday.

Armed with tridents and clubs, members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal organised a protest at Jyoti Talkies, one of the busiest squares here, to send out a clear message to the youths and warned of strict action against the couples celebrating the Day.

VHP convener Daulat Singh Chouhan said they would not shy away from using ‘lathi’ to teach the couples a lesson on Indian culture.

“Our cadre will be moving around the city and visit places frequented by couples. Wherever we find anyone indulging in immoral activity, we will teach them a lesson. Our workers will beat them,” he said and added that they were ready to face any police action.

“We have taken everything into consideration. Let the police do their duty, we will do ours,” he stressed. VHP district general secretary Rajesh Sahu pointed out that they have already taken out a ‘Chetavni rally’ (Warning rally) in the city to make clear their intentions to the State government.

“It is the duty of the State government to ensure that there is no obscenity on February 14. We are not against love but the couples should learn how to ‘behave’ in public. Those who act in an ‘undisciplined’ manner will face the consequence,” he said.

Meanwhile, some other lesser known groups such as Gau Raksha Samiti too have issued similar warnings and their members have invited local reporters to show how they plan to tackle the couples celebrating the Day.

When contacted for his comments, DIG Srinivas Verma said no one would be allowed to break law on any ground. “Those breaking the law will be strictly dealt with,” he said.