The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has condemned a series of reported attacks on the Christian community across the country during the Christmas season, holding the BJP-led Union government responsible for what it described as a growing climate of fear and intolerance.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NPCC said the incidents reported during Christmas were “deeply disturbing” and alleged that they reflected a broader atmosphere of hostility towards minorities. It asserted that attacks on Christians during a festival symbolising peace, love and harmony were not isolated events but part of a pattern enabled by political inaction.
The NPCC referred to reports of churches being vandalised, Christmas decorations destroyed and worship services disrupted in different parts of the country. According to the party, such incidents point to a breakdown of law and order and a weakening of constitutional safeguards for religious freedom.
The Congress unit also expressed concern over reports of extremist groups allegedly disrupting Christmas fellowship gatherings, using abusive language in public spaces and creating fear among worshippers, including women and children. It stated that such acts amounted to a violation of constitutional rights and human dignity.
Of particular concern, the NPCC highlighted the reported attack on St. Mary’s English School in Panigaon village in Assam’s Nalbari district on Christmas Eve. The party alleged that activists associated with the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal were involved in the incident. It said that an attack on an educational institution during a religious festival reflected what it termed as dangerous radicalisation and accused the ruling establishment of remaining silent in the face of such actions.
Holding the BJP and the Union government accountable, the NPCC stated that the continued failure to take decisive action against those responsible had emboldened fringe elements. “The silence and inaction of the government have sent a message that hate crimes can be committed with impunity,” the statement said.
Reiterating its position on secularism, the NPCC said India is governed by the Constitution and not by “mob rule.” It added that the Congress party would not remain silent while minorities were intimidated and their right to religious freedom curtailed.
The NPCC called for immediate and impartial investigations into all reported incidents of violence and vandalism, strict legal action against those involved and clear accountability from the Union and concerned state governments.
The party said it stood in solidarity with the Christian community and all minorities, reaffirming that India belongs to people of all faiths. It warned that any attempt to divide the country on religious lines would be strongly resisted.