NEW DELHI: Mehbooba Mufti, chairperson of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), expressed her disapproval of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister on Thursday, accusing him of fostering “divisions between Hindus and Muslims.” Mufti remarked that people from both communities used to joyfully celebrate Holi and Eid together, emphasizing the negative consequences of the divisions she believes are being created by the government.
“The atmosphere in the country is worsening. Previously, Holi was celebrated with delight, and Hindus and Muslims celebrated together, just as they do during Eid. Now, the environment has been poisoned, particularly by the UP Chief Minister. The treatment being given to Muslims is very inappropriate. This country was known for its Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, where Hindus and Muslims coexisted happily. However, now they are spreading venom. The repercussions could be severe,” Mufti stated while addressing reporters in Shopian district of Jammu & Kashmir.
‘Zia-ul-Haq instigated a similar communal climate’
Mufti drew parallels between the current situation in India and events in Pakistan under former President Zia-ul-Haq, asserting that the communal tensions ignited during his reign continue to impact Pakistan today. “Zia-ul-Haq nurtured a similar communal atmosphere in Pakistan once, and their nation has still not overcome that. They are sowing similar discord here as well. I pray to God to grant them the wisdom to refrain from pitting Hindus against Muslims,” she added.
As Holi coincides with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan on Friday, some BJP leaders and officials have advised Muslims to remain indoors if they prefer not to be colored. In several districts of Uttar Pradesh, mosques were covered with tarpaulin on Thursday.
In response, notable Muslim clerics in the state have rescheduled Friday prayers to take place after 2 pm. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked on Sunday, “If anyone wants to perform Friday prayers, they can do so at home. It is not essential for them to visit the mosque,” further stating, “And even if they wish to go to the mosque, they should not shy away from colors. The police officials were advising them accordingly.”
Adityanath supported Sambhal CO Anuj Chaudhary’s comments, who had mentioned to reporters, “Holi is a festival that occurs once a year, while Friday prayers are held 52 times annually. If someone feels uneasy about the colors of Holi, they should stay inside on that day.”
