New Delhi, Dec 26 (V7N) – Widespread incidents of violence, intimidation, and harassment targeting Christians were reported across India on Thursday, coinciding with Christmas Day. Disturbing events were recorded in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam, states governed by the BJP, involving groups affiliated with Hindutva organizations such as the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal.

In Nalbari, Assam, members of VHP and Bajrang Dal entered St. Mary’s School in Panigaon village, vandalizing Christmas banners, posters, and decorations while chanting slogans in praise of Hindu gods. Nearby shops selling Christmas items were also targeted. Nalbari Senior Superintendent of Police Bibekananda Das confirmed receiving a complaint from the school authorities, though no case was initially registered.

In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, a mob armed with sticks stormed Magneto Mall, destroying Christmas installations. This incident occurred during a statewide “bandh” (shutdown) called by some Hindu groups protesting alleged religious conversions in Kanker district. Videos circulating online showed chaos and raised slogans, with police later registering an FIR against unidentified individuals.

Other reports included harassment and protests outside churches in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, threats to Christmas item vendors, and disruptions of prayer events in Madhya Pradesh. In Odisha, roadside vendors selling Santa caps were targeted for selling “Christian items,” while in Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar, women wearing Santa caps were allegedly harassed by men linked to a Hindu vigilante group.

Christian organizations and human rights groups, including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), have expressed deep concern. The CBCI highlighted a video from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, showing a visually impaired woman attending a Christmas program being publicly abused and physically harassed by BJP City Vice President Anju Bhargava. The CBCI called for her immediate removal from the party.

“These targeted attacks, particularly against peaceful carol singers and congregations gathered to pray, gravely undermine India’s constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and the right to worship without fear,” the CBCI stated.

Monitoring groups, such as the United Christian Forum, report over 700 anti-Christian incidents in India in 2025 alone, indicating a disturbing trend of escalating intimidation and violence against minority communities. Authorities have been urged to ensure strict enforcement of law and order and protect Christians during religious celebrations.

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