Attacks on Christians Reported Even on Christmas Eve; Decorations Vandalised, Celebrations Disrupted

New Delhi: Even on Christmas Day, attacks targeting Christians and Christmas celebrations continued across different parts of India, allegedly by Hindutva groups. Several incidents of violence, intimidation, and vandalism were reported, raising serious concerns among the Christian community.

In Chhattisgarh's Raipur, Bajrang Dal activists vandalised Christmas decorations at the Magneto Mall. A group of more than 30 people allegedly destroyed the decorations and raised hate slogans. The Santa Claus figure installed in front of the mall was also smashed.

In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Hindutva organisations created provocation by reciting the Hanuman Chalisa in front of a Christian church. The incident occurred ahead of Christmas celebrations in front of a well-known church in the Bareilly Cantonment area. The incident took place in the presence of police personnel. A group of over 20 people reportedly chanted the Hanuman Chalisa and raised slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram.” Videos of the incident have gone viral on social media, sparking widespread debate.

In Nalbari district of Assam, Christmas decorations at St. Mary’s School were vandalised. Activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly forced their way into the school, raised slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hindu Rashtra,” and carried out the attack. The assailants reportedly set fire to the school’s Christmas decorations.

Several incidents have also been reported from BJP-ruled northern states, where Christmas celebrations were allegedly obstructed. In many of these cases, it is alleged that police and authorities enabled or turned a blind eye to the actions of Sangh Parivar organisations.

In Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, no action has reportedly been taken even days after a BJP district vice-president, Anju Bhargava, and others allegedly assaulted a visually impaired young woman inside a church.

Amid what is being described as an aggressive campaign by extremist Hindutva groups during the Christmas season, the Christian community across the country remains deeply anxious and outraged.