Love in the time of riots

CHANDIGARH: Though the Queen of Hills Shimla is simmering with undercurrents of communal tension following riots in a nearby village, love is all set to stamp out the “hate fire” on Valentine’s Day. Cupid-struck couples are pouring in to celebrate the special day on Sunday, despite Shimla witnessing a bandh on Saturday.
The city was gripped in communal tension after a mosque, close to the city, was set on fire on Friday following a rumour that a cow was slaughtered in a nearby jungle.However, this didn’t deter the lovers to pour in the serene, picturesque hill station to express their feelings to each other as well as to immerse Shimla in love.
Newly wed couple Varun, 28, and Tanu, 26, are eager on a lunch date in one of the eating joints on The Ridge. “In Shimla, love is in air, always. The scenic background, tranquility, warm sunlight and your loved ones... they all make a perfect romantic date,” says Utreja, a lawyer based in the city. They left for Shimla on Saturday evening.
If Utrejas are floored by Shimla’s serenity, it is the dazzling night life that is attracting many to Shimla.