Alleged acts of violence, intimidation meted out to the community during Christmas celebrations in parts of Assam and Rajpur
SHILLONG, Dec 26: Religious leaders, supported by the Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC), have strongly condemned the alleged acts of violence and intimidation carried out by the Bajrang Dal against the Christian community during Christmas celebrations in parts of Assam and Rajpur.
Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Shillong, Fr Richard Majaw, described the incidents as an “attack on faith itself,” stating that assaulting believers amounts to “attacking God.” He urged both the State and Central governments to immediately halt such incidents, noting that persecution only strengthens the faith of Christians.
Rev Edwin H Kharkongor, secretary of the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF), expressed deep outrage over the “continuing violence” against Christians and their institutions in Assam. He recalled similar attacks, including the desecration of sacred images in February 2024 and reports of members being prohibited from wearing religious habits.
Rev Kharkongor stressed that schools are vital in shaping young people and that depriving children of the joy and camaraderie fostered by Christmas celebrations is a “moral crime.” While welcoming Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s assurance of strict legal action, he appealed to authorities to protect educational institutions and promote interfaith participation.
Mahila Congress calls acts disturbing
The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress also issued a strong condemnation. MPMC President Joplyn Scott Shylla termed the acts “deeply disturbing” and contrary to the constitutional values of secularism and religious freedom.
Shylla asserted that aggression against a religious minority undermines the spirit of the Constitution. She called for swift and stringent action against those responsible and appealed to citizens to uphold communal harmony, noting that intolerance has no place in a democracy.
State BJP demands strictest action
The Meghalaya unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded the strictest legal action against individuals involved in disrupting the Christmas season, asserting that such actions violate India’s social harmony and constitutional values.
BJP Meghalaya chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang called the actions of the alleged perpetrators “painful,” noting that they risk portraying the country in a negative light. He reiterated the party’s commitment to the Constitution and protecting every citizen’s right to celebrate their faith.
Kharkrang further alleged that some political groups were attempting to project isolated criminal acts as “organised and planned programmes for narrow political gains.”
He pointed out that the Prime Minister and senior BJP leaders regularly participate in Christmas services, setting an example for party members.
The BJP Meghalaya confirmed its support for securing the arrest, prosecution, and punishment of those responsible under the law.
