Dukhtaran sound V-Day warning in Valley

After anonymous hoardings in Srinagar city warned couples of dire consequences, it is now the turn of Dukhtaran-e-Millat. The Kashmiri women separatist group has asked shopkeepers not to sell gifts or cards for Valentine’s Day, reports Aurangzeb Naqshbandi.

Both Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists seem to agree on one point — moral policing, and Valentine’s Day is the busiest time of the year for them.

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After anonymous hoardings in Srinagar city warned couples of dire consequences, it is now the turn of Dukhtaran-e-Millat (the daughters of faith). The Kashmiri women separatist group has asked shopkeepers not to sell gifts or cards for Valentine’s Day.

In its “appeal”, the outfit also asked restaurant and hotel owners not to organise parties. “Valentine’s Day celebrations are against our culture and religion,” outfit chief Aasiya Andrabi said.

The managements of Mughal and botanical gardens have been told not to let couples in on February 14.

“Such celebrations lead to immorality; these are part of the West’ cultural invasion,” she said.

Several right-wing Hindu organisations like the Shiv Sena and Sri Rama Sene have already warned youngsters against Valentine’s Day celebrations.

Andrabi, an executive of the Forum Against Social Evils, has been at the forefront of protests for the last few years. She and members of her outfit raid shops, confiscate cards and chase away couples.