'Bigots' turning Holi 'source of fear' for minorities: Mehbooba Mufti
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Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti (File photo)
Srinagar: "Bigots" are turning Holi into a "source of fear" for minorities, the chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the chief of People's Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti alleged. She also said that this is happening with the approval of those in power, India Today reported.
Her statement comes when there are controversies and heightened security as Jum'a and Holi celebrations coincided on Friday. It was the second Jum'a of the Holi Ramadan.
Mufti wrote on X, "Holi for me has always symbolised India's Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb. I fondly remember eagerly awaiting the festival and celebrating it with my Hindu friends with immense joy and enthusiasm. However, some bigots have now converted this celebration into a source of fear for minorities with the approval of those in power. It's time to wake up, India."
On Thursday, Mufti warned that attempts to turn Muslims and Hindus against each other would have dangerous consequences for India.
India Today reported that Holi and Ramadan Friday falling on the same day led to security concerns in several North Indian cities. Patrolling has been increased in all 15 police districts in the national capital region of Delhi, particularly in residential areas and places known for Holi gatherings. As precautionary steps, authorities covered mosques and conducted flag marches in UP.
Security was particularly intensified in Sambhal of Uttar Pradesh, where violence broke out last year.
However, in an untoward incident, a 25-year-old man was allegedly strangled to death in Rajasthan's Dausa district for attempting to prevent three men from applying colour to him ahead of Holi, according to police. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in Ralwas village when Ashok, Bablu, and Kaluram went to a local library to apply colour to Hansraj, who was preparing for competitive exams, officials said. As Hansraj refused to be smeared with colours, the trio kicked him and thrashed him with belts before one of them strangled him to death, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dinesh Agarwal said.