People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti
| Photo Credit: ANI
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday (March 13, 2025) accused Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of emulating former Pakistan dictator Zia-ul-Haq in taking measures for Holi celebration. “Seeds of poison are being sowed,” she said.
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“Holi used to be celebrated happily, with both Hindus and Muslims coming together. This time, the atmosphere has been vitiated, especially by the U.P. CM. His approach is like that of Pakistani president Zia-ul-Haq, who created a similar communal atmosphere in Pakistan once. That country is yet to overcome that. Similar poison is fed here,” Ms. Mufti said.
Urging the government to allow Hindus to celebrate Holi on Friday and allow Muslims to go to Friday prayers, Ms. Mufti said, “The kind of treatment that is being meted out to Muslims (on Holi) is very wrong. CM Yogi is deteriorating the environment of brotherhood in U.P. Ganga-Jamuna tradition is being eroded. This country used to be of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (culture), and Hindus and Muslims lived together happily. May the Almighty give wisdom not to pit Hindus and Muslims against each other.”
While Holi is falling on a Friday, for Muslims, Friday in the month of Ramzan is the day for congregational prayers.
A police officer in Sambhal recently said that those who have problem with Holi colours should stay indoors on the day. Backing him, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that those who want to read Friday prayers can do so in the confines of their home. If they want to go to the mosque, they can’t avoid colours, he said.
Published – March 13, 2025 08:23 pm IST