A controversy over an interfaith marriage in Meerut has escalated, with Hindu organisations calling for a Mahapanchayat at the same venue where a Hindu woman was scheduled to marry a Muslim man.
Reports say that the gathering was announced after protests against the proposed wedding of Akanksha, a Hindu woman, and Shahbaz, a Muslim man from Lisadi Gate area.
The wedding was planned for February 13 at Paradise Mandap in the Ganganagar police station area of Meerut. However, following objections raised by Hindu groups and a complaint filed by Akanksha’s uncle Premchand at the local police station, the administration put the marriage on hold.
Hindu organisations announced that a Mahapanchayat would be held at the same venue. Religious leader Yati Narsinghanand and Hindu Suraksha Sangathan members were expected to attend. Pinky Chaudhary was also scheduled to participate but was placed under house arrest by Ghaziabad Police.
In a message, Pinky Chaudhary said, “After calling people to reach Meerut, I have once again been put under house arrest by Ghaziabad Police. I appeal to all Sanatani warriors to attend the Mahapanchayat in large numbers and make up for my absence.”
Sachin Sirohi, who identified himself as the national president of a Hindu Suraksha Samiti, said the gathering was being organised to ensure the safety of Hindu women and to prevent what he described as “love jihad.”
Police and administrative officials said they were on alert to maintain law and order in the area.The owner of Paradise Mandap, Satish Kumar Manga, stated that there was no wedding scheduled at the venue on February 13 as the booking had been cancelled earlier. He also said there was no confirmed booking for any Hindu gathering at the hall on that date. Authorities said that maintaining peace is their priority and no unlawful activity would be allowed without permission.
Meanwhile, another Hindu conference was organised in Godwin Colony on Baghpat Road, where speakers called for unity and national pride. According to reports, the event began with a collective singing of Vande Mataram and speeches urging the Hindu community to remain organised.
RSS regional functionary Pramod said, “There was a time when people hesitated to call themselves Hindu, but today people proudly say they are Hindu.”
Religious leader Swami Deepankar Maharaj also addressed the gathering and spoke about unity and cultural values.
Police officials said they are closely monitoring the situation in Meerut to prevent any tension and ensure that law and order is maintained.
