Kiss of love protest: When passions ran high

Kochi: The ‘Kiss of Love’ protestors made a strong impression about the need for an open and tolerant society despite being far outnumbered by a slew of organisations affiliated to various religious outfits. Although the opponents of the protest made their  intentions clear by  threatening to inflict physical violence, the first batch of persons numbering around 30-35 behind the venture marched from the Law College junction towards the Marine Drive before police stopped them.  

The protestors, who included Rahul Pasupalan, Reshmi,  advocates Thushar Nirmal Saradhy,  Nandini and   P.J. Manual and several others, raised slogans and waved placards highlighting the evils of the moral policing.

A police team, including DCP R. Nishanthini, pleaded with the protestors not to proceed to the Marine Drive as it would result in a major law and order problem. But they  refused to heed its call and tried to break the police cordon and march towards the venue leading to the arrests.

Social activists T.N. Joy, Jolly Chirayath, V.C. Jenny, C.A. Ajithan, philosophy student Ananthu R and several others were arrested and taken to the Thevara police station.