Holi Under Siege: Islamist Threats Rock UP

Hindus’ Holi in Bareilly, Up is facing open threats of death! Islamists state they shall die as the reward for anyone daring to celebrate Holi. In the latest incident of religious intimidation, radical Muslim youths attacked Hindus in the Hajiapur locality, warning, “If you celebrate Holi, we will kill you.” The brutal assault and threat have sent shockwaves through the Hindu community, reviving memories of past attacks on Hindu festivals. With Holi just around the corner, the region has gone on edge.

Islamists Attack Hindus, Issue Death Threats for Holi

'यूपी में होली मनाई तो लाशें बिछ जाएंगी', बरेली में कट्टरपंथियों ने धमकाया#UttarPradesh #Holi #Bareilly #UPNews #Holi2025 #HoliCelebrations

यूपी में होली मनाई तो लाशें बिछ जाएंगी…बरेली में कुछ कट्टरपंथियों ने 48 घंटे पहले कुछ इसी तरह की धमकी दी और फिर उस धमकी पर अमल भी कर… pic.twitter.com/5H0kbjBjhW

— Zee News (@ZeeNews) March 3, 2025

The incident took place in the Baradari police station area. Hindus Laxman, Munna, Shani, Akash, and others were organizing a Holi celebration. However, before their Holi plans could be finalized; a mob led by “peacefuls” Ayan, Salman, Aman, Rehan, Bhura, and Alam stormed in.

Armed with sticks, they brutally beat the Hindus and issued a chilling “peaceful” warning: “If you celebrate Holi, there will be dead bodies.”

In Bareilly, UP, Hindu youths Laxman, Munna, Shani, and Akash were attacked by six Muslims while planning a Holi event. They were brutally beaten with sticks and threatened with death. One accused warned of a massacre if Hindus celebrated Holi. pic.twitter.com/qIxRBk1nSf

— Hinduphobia Tracker (@hinduphobia_tr) February 25, 2025

However, the attackers didn’t just stop at violence. Their goal was clear – to establish fear, to ensure that Hindus do not dare celebrate their festival. Thankfully, UP police rushed to the scene and managed to control the situation. They arrested two of the accused. However, tensions are running high in the region. An FIR has been lodged against six “peacefuls”, and authorities claim they are searching for the others.

Holi Under Siege: A Pattern of Islamist Intimidation

Radical mob brutually attacked two people for celebrating Holi near Mosque in Bareilly, UP.

People from minority community claimed that these 2 people had thrown colour at the Mosque. pic.twitter.com/h0WbPdD6yL

— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) March 19, 2022

This is not an isolated incident. The Hindu community in Bareilly has repeatedly faced similar attacks, especially around religious festivals. Previously, in 2022, Kanwariyas in Jogi Navada were attacked with stone pelting. Additionally, there was even gunfire during the holy month of Saavan. The latest attack on Holi follows the same playbook – use violence to intimidate Hindus and disrupt their religious celebrations.

Witnesses claim that “peacefuls” feel justified in disrupting Hindu celebrations due to their larger demographic presence in the region! 

In Bareilly, Hindu and Muslim communities have come face-to-face, chanting slogans and threatening violence. Peace maintained only by police presence

What a sorry state of affairs. Perpetual conflict. Last year, Kanwar yatra was attacked on this route pic.twitter.com/vMmrGNxyZN

— Swati Goel Sharma (@swati_gs) September 15, 2024

Hajiapur, Jogi Navada, and Chak Mahamood have witnessed communal tensions in the past, often sparked by Islamist “peaceful” aggression. Each time, Hindus are forced to tread cautiously, fearing violent backlash for simply practicing their faith. Hence, the latest threats before Holi have once again put the community on high alert.

Will Bareilly Hindus Be Left Defenseless?

Despite the police registering a case, many fear that justice will be delayed or denied. In past incidents, local leaders of SP and other parties quickly label such attacks as “small disputes” rather than targeted hate crimes against Hindus. Even today, voices from the Muslim side claim this was a dispute among “drunkards” rather than an attack on Hindu religious rights.

Is this just an excuse to downplay the seriousness of the crime?

With Holi approaching, the Hindu community is watching closely. Will the administration be able to ensure a safe celebration for the Hindus? Or will Hindus once again be asked to compromise? Will “peaceful” radicals continue to dictate what can and cannot be celebrated?

Holi is a festival of colors, joy, and unity. However, in Bareilly, it has become a symbol of defiance. The Hindu community refuses to bow down to threats. Thus, the question remains—Will the state stand with its people, or will it let Islamist mobs decide who gets to celebrate in Hindustan?