Guwahati: Tension erupted in Assam’s Nalbari district after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly vandalised and set fire to Christmas decorations at St. Mary’s English School, Panigaon.
According to police, four individuals were arrested following a complaint by the school principal, Fr. Baiju Sebastian.
The arrested are Bhaskar Deka (34), District Secretary of VHP; Manash Jyoti Patgiri (32), Vice-President of VHP; Biju Dutta (34), Assistant Secretary of VHP; and Nayan Talukdar (37), District Convenor of Bajrang Dal, all residents of Nalbari district.
The complaint stated that the group entered the school illegally, damaging decorations, lights, plant pots, and other items, with some set on fire. Videos circulating online showed them chanting slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram” and warning the school against holding Christmas celebrations. Shops selling Christmas items in Nalbari were also reportedly targeted.
Allen Brooks, spokesperson of the Assam Christian Forum, said the community observed Christmas in an “anguished” mood due to security concerns. He condemned the attacks, noting that the perpetrators were identifiable in videos, and said the acts violated constitutional rights, hurt religious sentiments, spread hatred, and threatened Assam’s peace.
The forum added that such incidents go against Assam’s culture and the spirit of unity promoted by Srimanta Sankar Dev, urging the government and society to uphold secularism.