Love conquers all, but going by the recent surge in the number of honour killings in the country, it doesn’t quite ring true. But there’s hope for lovebirds. A group of activists comprising lawyers, journalists and students from the city have formed a 24-hour helpline called Love Commandos to help lovers in distress.
The helpline (9313784375), which was launched this month already has around 2,000 members and has received thousands of applications from volunteers. “Once we receive a call, the volunteer who’s online analyses the problem, and accordingly transfers it to the in-house legal cell or the police,” informs Sanjoy Sachdev, one of the founder members.
Recently, Love Commandos organised the wedding of Sandeep Singhal and Kavita Balmiki in the capital against the diktat of the Khap Panchayat. “Many a time, lovers are harassed by the police. We have a qazi, priest and a Father on board and we help them get married legally,” he says.
But what about their security once they are married? “We send letters to all the police heads of their area of residence to ensure the safety of married couples. However, many couples prefer to go in hiding,” he adds.
Mohammad Shukrullah and Preeti were neighbours in Delhi’s Jaitpur area. Both fell in love, and got married against the wishes of Preeti’s family. But last month 24-year-old Preeti’s family forcibly took her back while her husband was at work. “I have already registered a complaint with Love Commandos,” says Shukrullah. “We along with the police and legal officials are trying to bring the two together,” adds Sanjay.
The news of the ‘love force’ came as a breeze of fresh air for Sanjiv, 26, and Asha, 24 (names changed). Both belong to ‘same gotra’ and have been in the relationship for the past three years. Well aware that the going won’t be easy, the duo is already experiencing stern opposition from their families. Plus, the recent increase in honour killing cases in the city is adding to their concern.
“Whatever the outcome, we are going to get married. But this initiative gives us hope and a feeling of security that we aren’t alone. We don’t doubt our resolve, but are assured that we are on the right path,” says Sanjiv, who works as a software engineer in a Gurgaon-based MNC, and met Asha there. “We are educated and so are our families. The reason they say we can’t be together is not based on logic, that’s why we aren’t going to bow down,” says Asha, who’s also from Haryana, and works in the capital.
Harsh Malhotra, the brain behind the forces, agrees that society should react to these killings done at the behest of the alleged Khap Panchayats. “Our aim is to help the couples marry. I and my wife are from the same gotra and I married her six times to pay a tribute to love,” says Harsh.