Incidents of vandalism and disruptions linked to Christmas celebrations were reported from Chhattisgarh, Assam, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh, thus drawing political reactions and worries expressed by Christian groups in the run-up to December 25. The incidents were in regard to damaging the decorations, confrontations during the religious gatherings, and even threats to organisers.
Mall vandalised during Chhattisgarh bandh
In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, a city mall's Christmas decorations were vandalised on Wednesday amid a day-long 'Chhattisgarh bandh' called over alleged religious conversions. According to police, a group of around 40-50 unidentified people entered Magneto Mall, which was shut at the time and damaged the festive decorations, including a Christmas tree, PTI reported.
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As per the report, the mall authorities said the group had raised slogans and damaged items inside and outside the premises with the help of rods and hockey sticks. A video of the incident went viral on social media. The police said that some of the suspects have been identified, and action will be initiated. The bandh, which was related to a recent burial-related dispute in Kanker district, saw a mixed response across the state.
School, shops targeted in Assam
In Assam's Nalbari district, the police on Monday claimed that Christmas celebration preparations, including decorative items at St Mary's School in Panigaon village, were vandalised. Members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal entered the school, damaged decorations and set some items on fire, leading to property loss, PTI cited police officials as saying.
Four people were arrested in connection with the incident. The accused are also reportedly damaging Christmas-related goods at shops and malls in Nalbari town, including setting items on fire near a Jain Mandir.
Attack on Carol group in Kerala
According to a report by PTI, a group of children singing Christmas carols in Palakkad district of Kerala on Sunday night was allegedly attacked when it went door-to-door. Police said a man accosted them, damaged their musical instruments, and other items. A case has been registered.
BJP functionary video sparks outrage
In Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur, a video showing a BJP district vice-president in a heated exchange with a blind woman at a church sparked online criticism. The clip, which is doing the rounds on social media, saw reactions from opposition leaders, shouting at the woman, asking why she brought a little girl “among Christians.” Sharing the clip, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate wrote, “This ignorance and cruelty is the easiest way to advance in the BJP. These people are stains on society.”
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Christian body appeals to the Centre
According to a report by The Hindustan Times, against the backdrop of these incidents, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and state chief ministers, urging strict implementation of the law and protection for Christian communities. The CBCI, in a video message, said that this spate of attacks during the Christmas season has evoked feelings of fear and distress, and called for steps to safeguard the constitutional right to religious freedom. The Archbishop said, “But today, as I meet you, it is with deep pain and concern that I speak over the disturbing rise in attacks on Christians in several parts of our country. During this holy Christmas season, we are pained to hear about it.”
He also said, “I humbly and earnestly appeal to you, the leadership of India, Honourable Prime Minister Modiji, Honourable Home Minister Amit Shahji, Honourable State Leadership, Chief Ministers, and so on, to ensure the strict enforcement of law and to extend proactive protection to Christian communities across the country, so that the joyous message of Christmas, of peace, love, harmony, and goodwill may be celebrated in an atmosphere of security, harmony, and mutual respect.”
