Shiv Sainiks force two couples to marry

 Two couples were made to garland each other in an impromptu "marriage" on the Sinhgad road on the outskirts of  Pune by Shiv Sainiks opposing Valentine Day celebrations on Saturday.

The motor-cycle borne couples were heading towards the Khadakwasla dam, a favourite picnic spot, when they were stopped by a group of Sainiks who were ready with garlands.

The "marriage" was performed to give out message of sanctity of male-female relationships and to oppose westernised concept of expression of love, Nana Wadekar, city unit chief of Shiv Sena said. Police, however, said they had no such reports of "forcible" marriage or complaints from the concerned couples. The Sainiks made bonfires of "obscene' Valentine Day cards at some places, Wadekar said.