Dantewada: The Chhattisgarh Police have begun a new experiment to try and end the long drawn out guerilla war with Naxals in Dantewada district of the state.
On the occasion of Valentine's Day, Dantewada was the venue for a special mass wedding event where the local police played host as 15 surrendered Naxals tied knots.
The marriages were solemnised under Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana and the married couple will also get a certificate from the Women and Child Development department of the state.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Pallav blessed couples and also danced with brides and grooms.
The marriage ceremony was done according to tribal customs and the SP presented a sum of Rs. 10,000 to each couple under the ongoing 'Lon Varatu' campaign.
The Women and Child Development department will also give Rs 35,000 to each couple.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Pallav said that it's the first time that mass marriage of surrendered Naxals is being organised in the state.
"The speciality of this marriage ceremony is that the entire police family will reach and bless the newlywed brides and grooms," he added.
It is worth mentioning here that SP Pallav discharged all the rituals and duties for the grooms, whereas, Additional SP and other police officers did for brides.
It may be noted here that Dantewada is among the seven worst Maoist affected districts in the conflict zone of Bastar in Chhattisgarh.
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