Pune cops turn moral police as V-Day nears

Pune: Pune police have warned youngsters not to indulge in any overt Valentine's Day celebrations in the city.

Police have imposed prohibitory orders, under Section 144 till February 15, which prohibits assembly of five or more persons or holding of public meetings.

Police say that prohibitory orders have been issued to prevent anti-Valentine's Day activists from going on a rampage.

The prohibitory orders will be in force from February 3 to 15.

Police says any public show of affection that will be deemed as obscene in colleges and schools, public or private places will invite strong action.

Police have also warned those opposing Valentine's Day not to indulge in any violence.

But many people have called the move moral policing by the administration in the guise of maintaining law and order as the order also prohibits any overt celebrations of Valentine's Day.

However, Shiv Sena has welcomed the move by city police. The party has been protesting against Valentine's Day celebrations calling it anti-Indian.

The press release was issued by Joint Commissioner of Police Rajendra Sonawane on Monday listing the do's and don't related to Valentine's Day.

In fact this is not the first time that Valentine’s Day has been under attack.

Bangalore was in the news last year with Sri Ram Sene leader Pramod Muthalik threated to marry off men and women publicly displaying their love on Valentine's Day.

In Bhopal, Shiv Sena activists burnt greeting cards and effigies symbolising Valentines' Day celebrations.

In Varanasi last year, Shiv Sena issued warnings to all the gift shop owners, restaurants, hotels and florists in the city, and asked them to refrain from doing business on Valentine's Day.