Chandigarh police out to ensure peaceful Valentine's Day

Chandigarh, Feb 13 : Elaborate security arrangements have been made to keep an eye on hooligans and ensure a peaceful Valentine's Day here Sunday, police said.

"We are geared up to maintain the law and order situation in the city tomorrow (Sunday). We have already given special instructions to our patrolling teams. An increased number of police check posts will be established at all sensitive locations here," Chandigarh Superintendent of Police (security) H.S. Doon told IANS Saturday.

"We have constituted special teams for all the three divisions: east, south and central. Both male and female officials will be stationed at various places in plain clothes to keep an eye on anti-social elements," he said.

The police here have been restricting vehicular entry on the famous 'geri route' that is frequented by young couples on the Valentine's Day during the past few years. But the traffic movement has not been restricted in the city as of now.

This nearly three-km stretch, covering Sector 9, 10 and 11, was christened geri route many years back with youngsters zipping around on motorbikes and swanky cars.

Nearly a dozen educational institutions are also located on this road.

"So far, we have not restricted the traffic movement in any part of the city, but if we see any kind of rush or in case of any emergency we are fully prepared to divert the traffic," Doon said.

Meanwhile, traders engaged in the business of flowers, chocolates, greeting cards and soft toys are offering a wide range of varieties to couples.

"Besides other gifts, this year exotic love birds are also in vogue among youngsters. We have seen a surge in their sale during the last one week," said Raghu, who works in a pet shop here in Sector 22.

However, some gift shop owners here fear that Valentine's Day on Sunday can dampen the spirit of youngsters and can affect the sales.

"This year the response was lukewarm as compared to past few years. Falling of Valentine's Day on Sunday could be one reason behind this as colleges and university will be closed on this day," said a sales girl at Archies Gallery here.