Love in the Time of Riots: How the Army Helped a Couple in Violence-Hit Haryana Get Married

The bride didn't think she would be able to make it to the gurdwara.

Love in the Time of Riots: How the Army Helped a Couple in Violence-Hit Haryana Get Married

Haryana has been a hotspot of violence and arson for more than a week now, following the Jat reservation controversy. But, even in this grim situation, love has prevailed. All thanks to the Indian Army.

Neha Makkad, from Gurcharanpura in Rohtak, was to be married to the man of her dreams. However, due to the riots, the 23-year-old was unsure if the ceremony would even take place on Monday.

Though the wedding venue was just a couple of kilometeres away, the family didn’t want to venture out as there were fierce protests outside their home. Just as they were wondering how to get to the venue, the 3/5 Gorkha Rifles battalion came to their rescue.

“We are indebted to the army. We could not afford to postpone the wedding due to religious reasons. While rioters roamed freely on the streets, the army unit escorted us to the venue,” said Neha’s mother to The Times of India.

Not only did the soldiers escort the family to the gurdwara, but they also stood guard outside till the ceremony was complete.

riot

Photo source: Facebook

The groom, Gaurav, also expressed his gratitude to the army.

“My shop in Model Town was gutted by rioters. Had it not been for the army, my fiancée would never have been able to reach safely. Though I am financially ruined, at least she is with me now. We will rebuild our lives,” he said.

Col. Suraj Chambiyal, Commanding Officer of 3/5 Gorkha Rifles, said that the army escorted the family to the gurudwara on humanitarian grounds.

Featured image credit: The Times of India

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia).

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let's ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?