Cops ensure a calm V-Day

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 14

Around 100 police personnel, including women, were deployed at all major points of the city today as Valentine’s Day passed off peacefully.

Gurpreet Kaur Purewal, ADCP 3, while talking to The Tribune, said at all major points of the city, including Ghumar Mandi, Sarabha Nagar Kipps Market and “We are on duty till the time they all go to sleep,” said Purewal in a lighter vein.

Meanwhile, it was observed that there was not too much of craze on Valentine’s Day. Youngsters were seen sitting in restaurants or watching movies. “We are all grown-up. Sexual harassment of girls is rarely witnessed on Valentine’s Day as there are so many police nakas all around. Moreover, if we have to meet our loved ones and friends, instead of going here and there, we prefer to sit quietly in some restaurant or coffee shop, etc,” said Gurleen, a BBA student.

Swati, a school student, said her exams were going on. “Even if we wished, we cannot have that fun because tomorrow, we have to take an exam. Valentine’s Day remained a low-key affair today,” said the student.

Shopkeepers also feel with change in times, the thinking of youngsters has also changed. “Earlier, there used to be crowds at shops for getting Valentine gifts, including hearts, balloons, cards, flowers, etc, but now youngsters make purchases much in advance to avoid last-minute rush. And there is no opposition by hardliners as well,” said a shopkeeper at the Sarabha Nagar market.