Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Mar 14: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday accused certain elements of turning Holi celebrations into a source of fear for minorities, allegedly with the tacit approval of those in power.

Her remarks came a day after she warned that attempts to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims could have serious repercussions for the country.

Reacting to the controversy surrounding the overlap of Holi celebrations and the ‘Jumma Namaaz’ of Ramzan on Friday, Mufti shared her concerns on X.

“Holi has always represented India’s Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb for me. I have fond memories of celebrating it joyfully with my Hindu friends. However, some bigots have now transformed this festival into a means of intimidation for minorities, with the backing of those in authority,” she posted, urging people to recognize the growing divide.

On Thursday, the PDP president had expressed concerns over the deteriorating communal harmony, alleging that deliberate attempts were being made to pit Hindus and Muslims against each other. [KNT]