Bigotry Hijacking Festivals: Mehbooba Mufti Sounds the Alarm on Holi, Friday Prayer Clash
Srinagar, March 14: In a sharp critique of divisive politics, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti accused political forces of turning festivals, like Holi, from inclusive celebrations into “sources of fear for minorities.” Her remarks come against the backdrop of Holi celebrations coinciding with Friday prayers during Ramadhan, sparking debates and concerns over communal harmony across the nation.
Mehbooba shared her dismay in a social media post, recounting a time when Holi symbolized India’s Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb—a term reflecting the harmonious blend of Hindu and Muslim cultures. “For me, Holi has always represented joy and unity. I fondly remember celebrating it with my Hindu friends. But today, some bigots have turned this celebration into a source of fear for minorities, with the backing of those in power,” she stated.
A Troubling Shift in Communal Harmony
Speaking further on the matter in Shopian district, Mehbooba highlighted the growing communal divide across the country. She claimed that attempts are being made to pit Hindus and Muslims against each other, warning of “dangerous consequences” if this continues unchecked.
“Earlier, festivals like Holi and Eid were celebrated together, irrespective of religion. Today, the atmosphere is so vitiated that minorities fear celebrating or even partaking in such festivals,” Mehbooba remarked. She directly pointed fingers at leaders like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, alleging that his policies are fueling division. “The attitude towards Muslims is totally wrong. Those in positions of power are spreading poison instead of fostering unity.”
Festivals Becoming Flashpoints
The concerns raised by Mehbooba come amidst heightened security measures in several cities, where Holi and Jumma namaaz coincide. With March 14 marking both the second Friday of Ramadhan and the festival of Holi, local governments have ramped up law enforcement deployment to prevent potential clashes. This heightened vigilance signals the growing polarization surrounding even culturally inclusive events like Holi.
The Zia-Ul-Haq Parallel: A Stark Warning
Drawing a historical parallel, Mehbooba warned of the dangerous road the country might be heading down. She referenced Pakistan’s former president Zia-ul-Haq, under whose regime state-sponsored Islamization created long-lasting divisions in Pakistan’s social fabric.
“What Zia-ul-Haq did to Pakistan is something the country is yet to recover from. The seeds of division he sowed led to decades of unrest. India must not walk down this path; the consequences will be equally disastrous,” she cautioned.
A Plea for Unity
In her plea, Mehbooba urged Indians to uphold the core values of religious tolerance and cultural coexistence that have historically defined the nation. “I pray for better sense to prevail. Let Holi be celebrated as a festival of colors, bringing joy to Hindus, while Muslims peacefully observe their prayers on Friday during Ramadhan. There is room for both,” she said.
Her message extended beyond criticism, as she implored leaders to promote mutual respect and understanding. She expressed hope that “India’s secular ethos” would triumph over divisive forces.
Targeting the BJP’s Strategy
The PDP leader didn’t hold back when criticizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She accused the ruling party of fostering communal tensions to distract from governance failures in states like Uttar Pradesh. “The BJP cannot offer development or progress, so they play the religion card. This is their way of keeping the pot simmering, by unleashing atrocities on the Muslim community,” she alleged.
Mehbooba reiterated that the BJP’s “us versus them” narrative is an attempt to consolidate political power at the expense of national unity. “While they claim to act in the nation’s interest, their policies are deeply divisive, undermining the very fabric of our country,” she said.
A Broader Call to Action
The incident has brought to light the pressing need for introspection within Indian society. Festivals like Holi and Eid have historically symbolized togetherness, transcending religious boundaries. But in recent years, they are increasingly becoming flashpoints for political and social tensions.
Mehbooba’s critique serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and mutual respect in preserving India’s democratic and secular identity. “India’s strength has always been its diversity. We cannot allow divisive forces to dilute this strength,” she concluded.
The Path Forward
As controversies over festivals continue to make headlines, it is imperative for the government, civil society, and citizens alike to work towards rebuilding trust and fostering dialogue between communities. While Mehbooba Mufti’s warnings reflect the gravity of the current situation, they also underline the potential for change if India chooses a path of unity and reconciliation.
