Akhnoor (J-K), Feb 14: Unmanned boats loaded with lots of love and messages of peace set sail down the Chenab River in India to Pakistan to celebrate Valentine's Day.

The three boats carrying plastic guns mounted with a pair of roses on the turret and lighted candles was launched from Akhnoor, about 32 kilometres from Jammu.

Activists of the Socialistic Democratic Party, an NGO, also released scores of heart-shaped balloons and despatched cards.

"Love is the only gesture that keeps the world away from violence and disaster. If there will be no love in people's heart then nobody will be able to do anything," said Darakhshan Andrabi, President of the NGO.

“Since last 18 years, we have seen bodies, bloodshed, heard explosions and cries. So today, we have sent a message of peace to Pakistan,” he added.

Valentine's Day has become increasingly popular in India in recent years, a trend led by retailers who do healthy business on the occasion. (ANI)