VHP, Bajrang Dal Workers Arrested for Attacking Christmas Celebrations in Assam

Guwahati: Four workers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have been arrested in connection with an attack on Christmas celebrations at a school in Assam’s Nalbari district. The arrests were made for trespassing into the school premises and destroying Christmas decorations, as well as vandalising items in nearby shops.

Those arrested are VHP Nalbari district secretary Bhaskar Deka, district vice-president Manash Jyoti Patgiri, assistant secretary Biju Dutta, and Bajrang Dal district convener Nayan Talukdar.

On Wednesday, hardline Hindutva workers allegedly stormed St. Mary’s School in Panigaon village, under the jurisdiction of the Belsar Police Station, and vandalised Christmas decorations. They reportedly burned and damaged decorative items used for Christmas celebrations. Decorations outside the school, including lights and flower pots, were destroyed and set on fire. Police said more people were involved in the incident and that the investigation is ongoing.

According to reports, the accused arrived at the school shouting “Jai Shri Ram” slogans while preparations for Christmas celebrations were underway. They threatened and warned school authorities against holding the celebrations. The group also allegedly entered several shopping malls and commercial establishments in Nalbari town that were selling Christmas-related items, destroying and burning decorations there as well.