Meerut: A dispute over an interfaith marriage has escalated in Meerut after Hindu organisations called for a Mahapanchayat at the same venue where a Hindu woman was set to marry a Muslim man.
The wedding of Akanksha and Shahbaz from Lisadi Gate area was scheduled for February 13 at Paradise Mandap in the Ganganagar police station area. Following protests by Hindu groups and a complaint by the woman’s uncle Premchand, the administration halted the ceremony.
Hindu organisations then announced a Mahapanchayat at the same location. Religious leader Yati Narsinghanand and members of Hindu Suraksha Sangathan were expected to attend. Pinky Chaudhary, who was to join the gathering, was placed under house arrest by Ghaziabad Police. In a message, he urged supporters to attend in large numbers.
Sachin Sirohi, who identified himself as national president of a Hindu Suraksha Samiti, said the meeting aimed to ensure the safety of Hindu women and oppose what he termed love jihad.
Police and district officials said they remain on alert. The owner of Paradise Mandap, Satish Kumar Manga, stated that the wedding booking had been cancelled earlier and no Hindu gathering was confirmed for February 13. Authorities said they will not allow any unlawful activity without permission and are focused on maintaining peace.
Meanwhile, a separate Hindu conference took place in Godwin Colony on Baghpat Road. Speakers called for unity and national pride. Police continue to monitor the situation to prevent tension.
