Activists from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal vandalised a school and burnt Christmas-related items from local shops in Nalbari district, Assam, on Wednesday, officials and eyewitnesses said.
According to reports, the group entered St. Mary’s School in Panigaon village on the eve of Christmas, tearing down banners and posters, destroying festive decorations, and setting fire to some materials prepared for celebrations. Witnesses said the activists raised slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram” while inside the school compound and warned against holding Christmas programmes.
Following the school incident, the protesters reportedly moved through parts of Nalbari town, targeting shops selling Christmas merchandise. Several stores had decorative items burned outside their premises, and some commercial complexes were also affected.
Speaking to the media, Bhaskar Deka, district secretary of VHP-Bajrang Dal in Nalbari, said his group objected to Christmas celebrations and the sale of related items, claiming the festival was “not of Indian origin” and urging traders to focus on traditional Indian festivals.
Police confirmed that no formal complaint or FIR has been filed yet by school authorities or shop owners. They added that the situation is being monitored closely and legal action will be considered depending on developments.
Local residents expressed concern over the incident, urging for peaceful coexistence and respect for all communities’ right to celebrate their festivals.
The incident comes amid a series of similar reports across the country where Christmas celebrations and Christian events have faced protests or disruptions, highlighting ongoing tensions in some regions during the holiday season.
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