Hindu groups waned off Valentine's protests

A dozen leaders of Hindu nationalist groups in India have been warned to allow Valentine’s Day to go ahead peacefully.

Archies Gallery stores appealed to the Delhi High Court after their premises were attacked last year by the groups, who oppose Western influence in India.

Archies is asking the court to order the police to protect its 25 outlets and franchises in the Indian capital this year, the Indian Express newspaper said.

Archies Gallery is an Indian chain and has been in business since 1979.

Last week, three Hindu nationalist groups linked with the party of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee issued statements warning people against participating in Valentine’s Day celebrations.

The groups - the Shiv Sena, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal - said Valentine’s Day is an affront to Indian culture.

In India, public displays of affection, including hand-holding, is considered taboo. But young couples in cities have begun celebrating Valentine’s Day in recent years, going out for romantic meals, and giving each other flowers and presents.

Last year, slogan-shouting men who said they were from the Shiv Sena party smashed potted plants, threw chairs and knocked over people’s trays in a Wimpy’s fast food restaurant in central New Delhi because young couples were having Valentine’s Day meals there.