Thiruvananthapuram: The debate over a mass kissing event in Kerala grew more intense on Friday, as even more lined up to offer their support or opposition to the plan. Supporters of the Kiss of Love event, which will take place on Sunday, are hoping that the event will highlight the evils of moral policing in the state.
Police officials in Kochi clarified that they cannot permit the event proposed to be held at the Marine Drive in Kochi. However, after the move attracted mass support on social media, the state government appeared to be taking a more lenient view.
On Friday, the Kerala High Court refused to intervene in the matter on a petition filed to ensure that authorities prevent the mass kissing drive. The state government submitted to the court that it had made adequate arrangements to ensure that there would be no violation of law and order on Sunday and that enough police forces would be deployed to tackle the situation.
The event itself was triggered by a recent incident of moral policing in Kozhikode, where Yuva Morcha activists vandalised a cafe in the city, alleging that “immoral activities” were taking place there.
There is strong opposition building up against the Kiss of Love event. In Thrissur, an organisation opposed to the event brought two dogs and made them kiss each other in public to satirise the Kiss of Love event.
Local media reported that banned organisations could have a hand in the organising of the programme. It quoted police officials as saying that there was reason to think so, considering that there was a disturbing trend of protests on various issues being held in the state after support is whipped up through social media.
Meanwhile, the event’s Facebook page continued to attract thousands, with the total number of likes approaching 40,000 with less than 48 hours to go for the programme.
The movement got a major boost when writer Paul Zachariah strongly supported the idea, pointing out that it was “sickening” to see some people oppose it, and criticising the police for trying to crush the programme.
Youth Congress leader, M. Liju commented on social media, “Who can oppose those who are expressing love, staying within the limits of decency?” adding that “morality policing goons who try to control society and individuals must be controlled.”
One Facebook post said the Progressive and Democratic Students Collective in Mumbai would take part in the Kiss of Love by organising a similar event in Mumbai. A couple from Kannur said they would be travelling to Kochi to participate in the programme.
