PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday accused some "bigots" of turning Holi into a "source of fear" for minorities, claiming it is happening with the support of those in power.
Her comments came as security was tightened in several cities due to Holi coinciding with the second Friday of Ramzan.
Mufti shared on X that Holi had always represented India's Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb for her. She recalled eagerly waiting for the festival and celebrating it with her Hindu friends with great joy. However, she said that now some people had turned the celebration into something that creates fear among minorities, and she urged people to take notice.
On Thursday, she had also warned that efforts to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims could have serious consequences for the country.
The overlap of Holi and Friday prayers during Ramzan has raised security concerns in several North Indian cities. Authorities have taken precautions such as covering mosques and organising flag marches to maintain peace.
In Sambhal, where communal violence occurred last year, security has been further strengthened. The reopening of the Kartikeya Mahadev Temple after 46 years has also led to increased police presence in the area.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his Holi greetings, wishing happiness and unity for all. He expressed hope that the festival would bring new energy and strengthen the spirit of togetherness among the people.
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