As the world celebrated Christmas, celebrations were marred in several parts of India after reports emerged of attacks on Christian communities carried out by Hindu extremist groups, ARY News reported. The incidents, reported across multiple states, have raised concerns over the safety of religious minorities and the growing intolerance surrounding religious festivities.
While the rest of the world marked Christmas with prayers and celebrations on December 25, members of the community in India faced intimidation, vandalism, and disruptions. Raging mobs associated with the Hindu extremist organisation Bajrang Dal allegedly forced their way into churches, interrupted prayer services, and issued threats to worshippers. In several areas, Christmas decorations, including trees and lights, were destroyed in shopping malls, Christian neighbourhoods, and public spaces.
In Madhya Pradesh, miscreants reportedly vandalised property outside a church, while slogans containing threats and extremist rhetoric were shouted to intimidate Christians celebrating the festival. Similar incidents were reported from Assam, where a group allegedly attacked a school, carried out acts of vandalism, and set Christmas decorations on fire. In Chhattisgarh, a Christmas float placed outside a shopping mall was reportedly damaged.
Disruptions were also reported in Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Chandigarh, Kerala, and other states, with hundreds of locations allegedly targeted. These incidents collectively cast a shadow over the festive season and have drawn criticism from civil society groups and minority rights advocates.
The latest events have once again sparked a broader debate on religious tolerance in India, as concerns continue to grow over the shrinking space for minorities to practice their faith freely and peacefully.
