Valentine’s Day = evil! This isn’t the message from a chorus of bitter singles, but the annual refrain of some Hindus in India, who dedicate their Feb. 14 to busting up as much coupledom as possible. After striking too sharp of a tone with some young lovers, though, six members of Sri Ram Sena have been arrested. More:

“Six members of a Hindu group have been arrested in India for allegedly attacking couples celebrating Valentine’s Day.


The protesters, who used scissors to cut the hair of young couples gathered in a city park, were detained in the northern city of Agra, V.P. Ashok, the superintendent of police, said on Saturday.


Police across India have stepped up security after members of the group Sri Ram Sena – meaning Army or Ram – threatened to hold protests against the celebration of Valentine’s Day.


Ten members of Sri Ram Sena, including the leader, Pramod Muthalik, were arrested last month after women dancing and drinking in a bar in the southern town of Mangalore were attacked.


‘We are definitely going to oppose it,’ Muthalik said after his release on February 2. ‘We would also request colleges also to stop the celebrations. After all this we will start our crusade.’


Valentine’s Day has become increasingly popular in India in recent years, led by retailers selling red balloons, velvet pillows and teddy bears, but some see the festival as symbol of a the growth of Western culture.”

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)