Indian couples plan 'kiss and hug' protest

Public displays of affection are traditionally frowned on in India

KOLKATA, India -- One hundred amorous couples in the Indian city of Kolkata plan to hold a "kiss and hug protest" later this month to call for a special love zone to be created in the city.

According to the Asian Age newspaper a group calling itself the Lovers' Organisation for Voluntary Exhibition (LOVE) has called the rally in the city, formerly known as Calcutta, for March 26.

The smooch protest on the steps of the mayor's office will demand municipal authorities create an area where couples can meet without being harassed by nosy police officers, hawkers and "miscreants".

City officials say the proposed zone is unnecessary because lovers can get together anywhere in the city.

However LOVE says that is not the case and they are often harassed simply for showing affection for their partner in public.

QUOTE "We believe there is little lust in true love, but there is no love in lust" - LOVE website

LOVE claims more than 1,000 members across India whom it describes as "warriors of love".

Love army

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According to the group's website, for a membership fee of $5 a year the members can enjoy a range of facilities, including the alluringly titled "love bank."

Describing the group's philosophy LOVE president Rupak Banerjee says he aims to establish "a great 'Love Army' worldwide, with honesty, morality and humanity to fight against terrorism and communalism."

"We believe there is little lust in true love, but there is no love in lust. True love should be mental and not sexual. It comes from the pure sense of our soul," he added.

In India kissing in public has been traditionally disapproved of, but LOVE says it is time for Kolkata, one of India's more cosmopolitan cities, to move with the times.

"The mayor does not seem to have any idea about love," the Asian Age quoted Banerjee as saying.