Bhopal: Several civil society organisations of the state have demanded that the government should take strict action against elements who intimidate couples celebrating Valentine’s Day. “It is being observed that for the past some years, if any man or woman – whether they are friends or lovers – are seen at a public place on this day, they are treated as criminals and are assaulted or misbehaved with.
This is not only against the law and the Constitution but also an attack on the ‘freedom of choice’ of the citizens. The organisations have appealed to the general public to oppose moral policing on Valentine’s Day and to report instances of harassment or intimidation of couples to the police. The signatories to the statement include LS Herdenia, convener of Rashtriya Secular Manch and office-bearers of Progressive Writers’ Association, Janwadi Lekhak Sangh, Insani Biradari and Nagrik Adhikar Manch.
