Technomyths

A group of young Indian women is bombarding religious zealots with pink knickers in a Valentine's Day protest.

They now have more than 18,000 supporters signed up to oppose the men who are intent on curbing female freedom on the day for lovers.

Activist Benson Isaac told Sky News Online: "It was started last week by a friend, Nisha Susan, on Facebook but we never thought it would get this big with thousands sending their underwear."

Known as The Consortium of Pub-going, Loose and Forward Women, the group unleashed their frilly fury at male members of Sri Ram Sena - Lord Ram's Army.

"SRS is a fringe element of the Hindi right wing that is very violent and they condemn any Western culture, restricting freedom for women, going to pubs or even unmarried couples enjoying St Valentine's," Mr Isaac said.

Last month several young women were filmed being assaulted by SRS men after visiting a lounge bar in Mangalore.

The Minister for Women, Renuka Chowdhury, denounced the attack as a "Talibanisation" of India, where radicals also oppose cricket cheerleaders and kissing in Bollywood films.

"It is basically an attitude towards women, using the whole thing of Indian culture to restrict movement," said Mr Isaac.

In response the group is urging supporters to visit pubs on Valentine's Day and post pink "chaddi" - Hindi slang for underwear - to the zealots.

"Thousands of young people are sending them chaddi from around the country and groups are even sending them in big packs of 50 to 100 at a time," said Mr Isaac.

He added: "We haven't got a direct response back from SRS yet but we have had very nasty phone calls - this is our protest against the girls who were attacked."