In Shorts
- Widespread incidents of vandalism targeted Christmas decorations and celebrations in Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Assam.
- Police have registered multiple FIRs and arrested suspects in Assam and Chhattisgarh for damaging festival setups.
- Community leaders and political figures have condemned the attacks, raising questions over tensions during the festive season.
Across parts of India, the run-up to Christmas was overshadowed by a string of vandalism incidents that have shaken communities and drawn strong public reactions. Reports from Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Assam highlight how tensions over cultural and religious expressions intensified during what is typically a season of celebration and goodwill.
In Chhattisgarh’s capital, Raipur, a state-wide shutdown called to protest alleged religious conversions escalated into public disorder. A group of protesters forced its way into a prominent shopping mall where Christmas decorations were being displayed. Videos circulating on social media show individuals destroying festive trees and ornaments with sticks, questioning mall employees about their identity and religion and creating a climate of fear. Authorities later filed a First Information Report against around 40 unidentified individuals for unlawful entry, property damage and creating panic among staff and visitors. Police said they were using CCTV footage to identify those involved as investigations continue.
In Assam’s Nalbari district, police arrested four people connected with right-wing organisations after they allegedly entered a school and vandalised Christmas decorations ahead of planned celebrations. The accused reportedly damaged light fixtures, decorative items and banners before setting some property on fire. They also targeted shops selling festive goods in the nearby town, chanting slogans as they carried out the attacks. Authorities said cases have been registered and further investigations are underway to identify additional participants.
Local leaders and political voices reacted strongly to the incidents, with some condemning them as assaults on India’s secular values and constitutional rights. Critics argue that such actions threaten peace and undermine the spirit of unity during the holiday season, while others insist that law enforcement must act firmly to prevent escalation.
In Kerala, earlier reports signalled unease when a Christmas carol procession involving children was disrupted and instruments were damaged in a separate act of pre-holiday vandalism, adding to worries about rising intolerance during community celebrations.
These episodes, occurring in the days before Christmas, have stirred a national conversation about tolerance, freedom of celebration and the balance between public expression and peaceful coexistence. With police continuing to make arrests and investigations unfolding, authorities face pressure to restore confidence among diverse communities as the festive period progresses.
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