Manipur’s first gay marriage ends in ‘divorce’

IMPHAL - The first-ever same-sex marriage in Manipur between two men in their 20s ended in a ‘divorce’ two days into their wedding following stiff opposition from their families.

Sandip, the 25-year-old ‘groom’, and Nikhil, the 28-year-old ‘bride’, who exchanged marriage vows Thursday in the presence of a modest gathering at a community hall here, decided to end their marriage late Saturday.

Their families Saturday filed a complaint with the local police station at Singjamei, seeking help to end the marriage.

“A police official called Sandip and Nikhil to the police station and counselled them for about two hours. The two men agreed to split and call off their marriage,” a family member of Sandip told IANS.

The families were opposed to the marriage after the couple decided to enter into wedlock after a six-year relationship. They maintained it would be a scar on the families as gay marriage is still a taboo in society.

“We were deeply hurt and objected to the marriage. With no options left, we approached the police. They helped us not by force, but by reasoning and convinced the duo to change their mind and split,” another family member of Nikhil said requesting not to be named.

The couple were staying together after their wedding at the beauty parlour run by Nikhil.

They exchanged bouquets and rings to wed. Sandip wore a black suit for the ceremony, while Nikhil was dressed in a white gown.

Soon after the wedding Thursday, Sandip said: “I am blessed to have Nikhil as my wife. We are indeed happy.”