Akanksha, a Buddhist, emphasises that she's an adult with the right to choose her partner. She claims some groups are unnecessarily making it a Hindu-Muslim issue
NEW DELHI – A planned interfaith wedding in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, has hit a roadblock due to objections from Hindu organisations, citing ‘Love Jihad’ allegations. Akanksha Gautam and Sahil (also known as Shahbaz) are set to marry on February 15, with both families on board.
‘Love Jihad’ is a conspiracy theory created by the Hindu organisations, which claim that Muslim men lure Hindu girls with love, marry them and then force them to convert to Islam.
Akanksha, a Buddhist, emphasised she’s an adult with the right to choose her partner. She claims some groups are unnecessarily making it a Hindu-Muslim issue, despite it being a personal decision between two consenting adults.
“We’re secular, we’re democratic,” Akanksha said, appealing to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for protection to ensure a peaceful wedding. Sahil’s family is backing the couple, but tensions are running high.
Akanksha’s assertion reflects the concern about safety as the wedding date approaches.
Sachin Sirohi, who describes himself as a right-wing supporter and a member of the Hindutva organisation, has publicly threatened to prevent the wedding at all costs. He has claimed he and his associates will track the couple if they leave Meerut and stop any ritual, including engagement or marriage. Sirohi and his allies have also reportedly pressured event venues to cancel bookings.
In a video conversation with the media, Sirohi is heard saying that wherever the couple goes, they will be followed. He also claimed they are tracking their movements and insisted they would not allow the ceremony to take place.
The threat has increased tension around the planned wedding. As of now, there is concern in the area about possible disruption, and attention is focused on whether authorities will provide security to ensure that the couple and their families remain safe.
