Right-wing groups disrupted Christmas celebrations in Assam and Chhattisgarh on Christmas Day, targeting a school in Assam and a shopping mall in Raipur.
In Assam's Nalbari district, members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad Bajrang Dal (VHPBD) vandalized Christmas decorations at St Mary's English School in Panigaon village. According to police, the activists stormed the school, burnt down banners and posters for the Christmas Day program, and damaged festival items at shops in Nalbari town. They also shouted slogans of "Jai Shri Ram" and warned the school against holding Christmas celebrations on the premises. Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident. Nalbari Senior Superintendent of Police, Bibekananda Das, confirmed that authorities at St. Mary's English School filed a complaint. Bhaskar Deka, VHPBD Nalbari District Secretary, told reporters that they do not want Christian festivals and will only accept trade in festival-related items of Indian origin.
In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, a mob of 25-30 activists attacked Magneto Mall during a "Chhattisgarh bandh" called by the Sarva Hindu Samaj against alleged religious conversions. Armed with sticks, the mob forcibly removed Christmas decorations and installations, alleging illegal religious conversion. An FIR has been filed, but no arrests have been made as of yet. Raipur Senior Superintendent of Police Lal Umed Singh said that the investigation is ongoing to identify the accused. According to a mall employee, approximately 80-90 people barged into the mall, threatening and shouting at staff and visitors. The employee stated that some women were crying, and the mob charged at anyone who tried to stop them, declaring they did not want to see Santa. Videos circulating on social media reportedly showed the incident at Magneto Mall. The "Chhattisgarh bandh" was also called following clashes over the burial of a converted family member in the Kanker district.
These incidents are part of a series of Christmas disruptions reported across India. In Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district, the education department barred schools from forcing children to dress up as Santa Claus, following a letter from Bharat Tibet Sahayog Manch stating that the district is a Sanatana (Hindu and Sikh) dominated area.
