Pre-Christmas vandalism reported across states, festive events disrupted

Several parts of the country witnessed incidents of vandalism and disruption in the days leading up to Christmas, with reports emerging from states including Chhattisgarh, Assam, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. The incidents ranged from damage to Christmas decorations and attacks on carol groups to confrontations during church events, drawing political reactions and appeals for protection from Christian organisations.

Raipur mall vandalised during bandh

In Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur, Christmas decorations at Magneto Mall were vandalised during a day-long shutdown called as part of a protest over alleged religious conversions. Police said a group of around 40 to 50 unidentified people entered the mall, which was closed at the time, and damaged decorations placed both inside and outside the premises, including a Christmas tree.

Mall authorities told police that the group raised slogans and caused damage before leaving. Officials said some of those involved have been identified and action will be taken. The bandh was linked to a recent dispute over the burial of a member of a Christian family in Kanker district and had varying impact across the state.

Assam school and shops targeted

In Assam’s Nalbari district, Christmas preparations at St Mary’s School in Panigaon village were allegedly vandalised on Wednesday. Police said members associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal entered the school premises and damaged decorations, lights and other festive items. Some articles were also set on fire, causing property loss.

Four people were arrested in connection with the incident, including district-level office-bearers of the VHP and a Bajrang Dal functionary. According to police, the group allegedly raised slogans and warned the school authorities against organising Christmas celebrations. Similar acts were reported at shops in Nalbari town that were selling Christmas-related items.

Carol group attacked in Kerala

In Kerala’s Palakkad district, a carol group comprising children was allegedly attacked while visiting homes of the faithful on Sunday night. Police said the accused confronted the group and damaged musical instruments and other items used for the carol programme. The incident reportedly took place in an area known for strong RSS presence.

Row involving BJP functionary in Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur, a BJP district vice-president came under fire after a video surfaced showing her in a heated exchange with a visually impaired woman at a church event. The clip, widely circulated on social media, showed her questioning the presence of a child at the gathering. Opposition leaders strongly criticised the incident, accusing the ruling party of intolerance.

Opposition voices concern

The incidents prompted reactions from the Opposition, with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stating that Christmas this year was marked by fear and anxiety for Christians in some parts of the country. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot described the reported incidents as worrying and condemnable.

Christian body appeals to Centre and states

Amid the growing concern, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India appealed to prime minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah and chief ministers of various states to ensure strict enforcement of the law and provide protection to Christian communities.

In a Christmas Eve message, CBCI president Archbishop Andrews Thazhath said he was deeply pained by what he described as a rise in attacks on Christians. He said such incidents went against the spirit of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and the right to worship without fear. He urged authorities to ensure that Christmas is celebrated in an atmosphere of peace, security and mutual respect.

(with inputs from agencies)