8 months ago
Rising Attacks on Christians Amid Christmas Celebrations
During the Christmas season, there have been many attacks on Christians in India.
The leader of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, made a video asking the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Chief Ministers to protect Christians.
He was sad because peaceful Christians singing carols and praying were targeted, causing fear.
The CBCI said these attacks are wrong and asked the leaders to enforce the law and protect Christian communities.
In Assam, four people from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal were arrested for damaging Christmas decorations at a school and a shop.
Similar incidents happened in other places like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
Some political leaders, like Derek O'Brien and Shashi Tharoor, criticized the government for not speaking up about these incidents.
The VHP also asked Hindus not to celebrate Christmas.
These events have made many people worried and upset.
CBCI president Archbishop Andrews Thazhath appealed to Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Shah, and Chief Ministers to ensure the safety of Christians.
Four VHP and Bajrang Dal members were arrested for vandalizing Christmas decorations at a school in Nalbari, Assam.
Incidents of vandalism and harassment of Christians were reported in multiple states, including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) called on Hindus to refrain from celebrating Christmas, promoting cultural 'awakening'.
Political leaders Derek O'Brien and Shashi Tharoor criticized the government's silence on these incidents and condemned the attacks.
- Who
- Christians, Hindu groups (VHP, Bajrang Dal, Hindu Seva Parishad), political leaders (Derek O'Brien, Shashi Tharoor), school management, shop owners
- What
- Attacks on Christians, vandalism of Christmas decorations, harassment, protests, disruptions to Christmas celebrations, arrests of VHP and Bajrang Dal members
- Where
- India, specifically Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Lajpat Nagar (Delhi), Kanker (Chhattisgarh), Nalbari (Assam), Bareilly (UP), Kerala, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan
- When
- Christmas season, with specific incidents on December 17-18 in Kanker, December 23-24 in Nalbari, and other dates in various locations
- Why
- Due to a rise in attacks on Christians, protests against alleged religious conversions, and disruptions to Christmas celebrations
Key facts
- Organization
- Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI)
- Leader
- Archbishop Andrews Thazhath
- Appeal Recipients
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Ministers
- Incident Locations
- Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Lajpat Nagar (Delhi), Kanker (Chhattisgarh), Nalbari (Assam), Bareilly (UP)
- Incident Details
- Vandalism of Christmas decorations, harassment of Christians, assault on a visually impaired woman, church burnings, protests, and disruptions
- Political Response
- Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O'Brien criticized the government's silence, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor condemned the attacks
- CBCI Statement
- Condemned the rise in attacks on Christians and urged strict law enforcement
- VHP Statement
- Called on Hindus to refrain from celebrating Christmas, promoting cultural 'awakening'
- Arrested Individuals
- Bhaskar Deka, Manash Jyoti Patgiri, Biju Dutta, Nayan Talukdar
- Charges
- Criminal trespass, unlawful assembly, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, mischief by injury, inundation, fire or explosive substances
Timeline
Hindu figures targeted; Yunus slammed for dismissing persecution.
Then, Bishop Inchananiyil threatened, Catholic churches bombed.
Christian institutions next; Bishop's life at risk, churches attacked.
Christmas celebrations targeted, Archbishop appeals for safety.
Archbishop Thazhath urges Indian leaders to protect Christians.
Quotes
Father James Vadakeyil
Father from the Bongaigaon Diocese, which the school comes under
“The campus was empty when the incident happened because it was shut for winter holidays.”
financialexpress.com
“The group arrived at around 3 pm and asked for the principal, but left after learning he was not present. They then moved around the campus and damaged the nativity crib and other Christmas decorations. A large banner put up for admissions was also torn down. The decorations were pulled apart and set on fire as the group shouted slogans like 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Jai Hindu Rashtra'.”
financialexpress.com
Shashi Tharoor
Congress leader and Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram
“When people of a community are assaulted, every Indian is assaulted.”
livemint.com
“Respect for the cultural and religious traditions of all communities is central to Kerala’s politics.”
livemint.com
VHP and Bajrang Dal members
Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, organizations part of a group led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
“Jai Shri Ram”
scroll.in
Mall staff member
Staff member of Magneto Mall in Chhattisgarh
“A large crowd, around 80 to 90 people, rushed inside and began destroying property.”
financialexpress.com
Visually impaired woman
Accused of religious conversion by Anju Bhargava
“Taking part in Christmas celebrations did not mean that she had changed her religion.”
financialexpress.com
People attending the prayer service
Attendees of a church prayer service in Madhotal area, Jabalpur
“Around 15 to 20 men suddenly entered the church during prayers, raised slogans, and caused fear among those present.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
Jingle Hell? Hate Crimes Against Christians See a Spike Around Christmas Again
Assam: Four VHP, Bajrang Dal members arrested for vandalising Christmas decor at Nalbari school
Christmas decorations vandalised in Chhattisgarh—What's happening in India? Check list of recent attacks
Visually impaired woman manhandled by BJP leader in Madhya Pradesh speaks out: ‘Celebrating Christmas doesn’t mean I’ve changed religion’
Catholic Bishops Urge Modi, Shah to Ensure Safety of Christians
Goons can’t hijack Merry Christmas
Xmas outreach, mum on attacks: Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's maiden service, ahead of Kerala polls - Telegraph India
Four VHP, Bajrang Dal members arrested for vandalising Christmas decorations in Assam
Shashi Tharoor condemns Christmas 2025 vandalism: ‘Every Indian is assaulted’
From Delhi to Assam, Christmas celebrations disrupted across states by vandalism
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