Bajrang Dal workers declare ‘Martyrdom Day’ on February 14. | (Photo Courtesy: ANI)
Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh: To portray their strong stance against Valentine’s Day, the Bajrang Dal and the Bharatiya Sufi Foundation in Moradabad declared February 14 as ‘Martyrdom Day’ to honour the 40 Indian soldiers who were killed in the 2019 Pulwama attack.
The incident took place on February 14, when a suicide bomber rammed an IED-laden vehicle into the security convoy carrying 40 Indian soldiers.
Bajrang Dal, known for denouncing the celebration of Western culture, has formed 12 teams to patrol the city, with 20 additional teams to focus on the surrounding areas.
In an interview with ANI, Rohan Saxena, the state president of Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, said, “We will not allow Valentine’s Day to be celebrated. Instead, we will honour the martyrs. If we find couples in public places like parks or restaurants, we will ask them about their relationship. If they are not siblings or married, we will ask them to tie a rakhi as a symbol of brother-sister love.”
Clarifying that their actions will be non-violent, he further added, “We are not breaking the law. We will not harm anyone, but we will ask questions and educate them about our culture. If they are not siblings, we will make them brothers and sisters. Our sisters are like Goddess Amba.”
Kashish Warsi, National President of the Bharatiya Sufi Foundation expressed his disapproval of Valentine’s Day, calling it a “British ritual”. “It’s not about religion but about guiding our youth on the right path. We urge young people to stay home, fast, and pray. This ritual leads children astray,” he told ANI.
