Defiant couple in inter-religious marriage

Jabalpur, India - An inter-religious wedding has taken place in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh in the face of opposition from Hindutva forces.

Two years ago, Peter, an autorickshaw driver met Meena, who can barely walk, and he was ready to take care of her.

Their friendship became love and they decided to marry under the Special Marriages Act.

The marriage planned for November 4 was disrupted by Dharam Sena, which is affiliated to the VHP.

"Their objection was he was luring her to change religion by marrying her," Additional Collector of Jabalpur Deepak Singh said.

The couple approached local NGOs, which appealed for the state Governor's intervention.

"It was because of the Governor's intervention that she could marry," said Suraj Jaiswal, a member with a local NGO.

Meena, after the wedding said she is very happy after a long time.

But the Dharm Sena has stopped four such marriages in the past in the area.