'Kiss of Love' protest against moral policing in Kochi on November 2; Police denies permission

A group of youngsters in Kerala's Kochi district have decided to observe a hug-and-kiss day on November 02. The bold initiative was taken after a coffee shop in Kozhikode was vandalised allegedly by members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, a youth wing affiliated to the BJP.

The organisers of the event have requested the couples to assemble at Marine Drive on Sunday evening to be part of this initiative. The group has also opened a Facebook page “Kiss of Love”, which has received a huge response. Over 14000 people have accepted the invitation till date.

The Facebook page requests the participants to bring a placard with a ‘Kiss of Love’ message written on it.

The Facebook page reads: “Moral Policing is a criminal activity .Most of political parties and religious organisations try to do that.”

The coffee shop named Down Town Cafe was allegedly attacked by a group of political activists alleging it was a haven for young lovers indulging in indecent activities.

Reports say that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has taken strong objection to any such move and will move the court to stop such public gathering.

Meanwhile, Police have denied permission for holding a "kissing session" at the Marine Drive Sunday evening, meant to counter the increasing instances of moral policing in the state.

In 2009, a similar incident had happened when a 'pink chaddi' campaign was started against Sri Ram Sene leader Pramod Muthalik following his threat to disrupt Valentine's Day celebrations.