A group of activists linked to Bajrang Dal allegedly stormed a diocesan school in Assam’s Nalbari town on Christmas Eve and vandalised Christmas decorations, triggering condemnation from church authorities and prompting police action.
The incident took place at St. Mary’s English School Panigaon, which comes under the Diocese of Bongaigaon. The same group also reportedly targeted a nearby shop in Nalbari town that was selling Christmas-related items such as Santa caps and masks, setting the decorations on fire.
Police to register FIR
Nalbari Superintendent of Police Bibekananda Das confirmed that a complaint had been received from the school authorities.
“Along with the incident in the school, the same group went to a shop in the market where Christmas items were being sold and burned them. We are registering a single FIR covering both incidents. There were around nine people involved,” the SSP said.
Police have begun preliminary inquiries to identify those responsible and determine the sequence of events.
School was closed for holidays
Father James Vadakeyil, speaking on behalf of the Diocese of Bongaigaon, said the school was closed at the time due to winter holidays and no students or staff were present when the vandalism occurred.
St. Mary’s English School, established in 2010, has around 1,000 students and serves families from Nalbari and surrounding areas. Church representatives said the damage was limited to decorations, but described the act as deeply distressing for the Christian community during the Christmas season.
Condemnation and concern
The incident has added to concerns over disruptions to Christmas celebrations in different parts of the country. Community leaders have urged authorities to ensure accountability and protect the right to celebrate religious festivals peacefully.
Police said further action would follow after registration of the FIR and completion of the investigation.