Srinagar

Mehbooba Mufti on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in and address rising communal tensions in Uttam Nagar ahead of Eid.

In a post on social media, the PDP chief alleged that inflammatory rhetoric by certain groups in the area has created fear among Muslim residents, with some families reportedly leaving their homes due to safety concerns. She appealed to both the prime minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene promptly to prevent any escalation and protect innocent lives.

Tensions in Uttam Nagar have been high since the death of a 26-year-old man, Tarun, following a clash between his family and neighbours in the JJ Colony area during Holi celebrations on March 4. According to police, the altercation began after a water balloon thrown by a girl from Tarun’s family accidentally hit a woman from the neighbouring household.

The situation worsened after some groups staged protests over the incident and set fire to two vehicles belonging to members of the accused family. Police have so far detained 14 individuals, including two minors, in connection with the case.

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Meanwhile, security has been intensified in the area, particularly around the Uttam Nagar East metro station, following directions from the Delhi High Court to ensure adequate arrangements in view of concerns about possible unrest during the upcoming festival.