Campaigners, protesters, onlookers fill up venue

The Kiss of Love campaign was scheduled to be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday. However, by 2 p.m. all the balconies and terraces around the bus stand were filled with people eager to witness the incident.

The first batch of campaigners appeared at the main gate of the bus stand by 2.45 p.m. There were less than 10 persons, including three girls, who were immediately detained by the police. Just as the uproar subdued a bit, Hanuman Sena activists entered the bus stand from the western side (Rajaji Road) carrying saffron flags. They too were immediately detained and taken away in police vehicles. In the following one-and-a-half hours, utter chaos prevailed in the bus stand. The campaigners started appearing in small batches here and there, with placards and shared kisses. They also performed a street play.

Some people who were not associated with the movement were also detained on suspicion. The scene of action shifted to S.M. Street after one hour where cultural activists gathered at the Kidson Corner to protest against the police action.