UP president of Shiv Sena Anil Singh has said that his party would form a ‘love trishul’, a gang of people meant to act and intervene early each time a case of ‘love jihad’ is reported. Anil Singh said the ‘love trishul’ coming up in the city would be a first, and the force would then spread across the state, so that young Hindu women at risk of conversion after being trapped in relationships are saved.
Earlier this month a national-level rifle shooter Tara Shahdeo complained of being a “Love Jihad” victim, saying her Muslim husband hid his religion when they married in Ranchi.
In response, hardline Hindu outfits rampaged through the town and declared a day-long strike. Other violent protests have broken out in recent days close to the national capital.
A pamphlet named “Love Jihad” is being widely circulated by members of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Hindu weddings, festivals and outside colleges across the country.
According to reports, various RSS-linked groups have stepped up a campaign against ‘Love Jihad’, days after al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri`s announcement came on formation of an Indian branch of his militant group.
However, police investigations have found no evidence of an organised ‘Love Jihad’ group. But the concept has gained credence across central India in recent weeks, leading to sometimes- violent protests, despite being considered an absurd conspiracy theory by mainstream, moderate Indians.
While avoiding the term ‘Love Jihad’, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party also adopted the subject of forced conversions as a campaign issue ahead of the September 13 by-elections in Uttar Pradesh, a state prone to sectarian strife.