Assam Congress Leader Demands Probe into VHP-Bajrang Dal Vandalism at Nalbari School During Christmas Preparations

Amid growing concerns over communal harmony in Assam, senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia has urged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to launch an immediate investigation into an alleged incident of vandalism at St Mary’s School in Panigaon Village, Nalbari district, on December 24.

In a formal letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of Assam, Saikia described how members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal reportedly stormed the school premises, destroyed Christmas decorations, toppled a statue of Jesus Christ, and issued warnings to school authorities against celebrating the festival.

He cited media statements by VHP General Secretary Bhaskar Deka, who reportedly opposed the Christmas observances.

Speaking of the constitutional implications, Saikia invoked Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, and referenced key Supreme Court judgments affirming that the state must not interfere in religious practices unless they threaten public order, morality, or health.

He added that the Preamble's commitment to liberty of belief, equality, and fraternity, urging the government to protect minority communities peacefully celebrating their faith.

Saikia demanded an impartial inquiry into the incident with legal accountability for those responsible, and strengthened measures to safeguard the rights of minorities in Assam.

He claimed that he had confidence in the state's commitment to constitutional values and social harmony.

Echoing these concerns, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi strongly condemned the act in a social media post, calling it a "desecration of festive items and religious symbols."

He alleged a political motive, claiming that the local sitting MLA, who also serves as a minister and is a close aide to Chief Minister Sarma, is facing backlash over alleged corruption in the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme.

Following statewide Congress protests against the JJM scam, Gogoi accused the minister of relying on VHP and Bajrang Dal support to bolster his position within the BJP.

Gogoi reiterated the importance of fraternity as enshrined in the Constitution's Preamble and vowed that a Congress government in Assam would enact stringent laws post-2026 elections to punish anyone desecrating places of worship or religious rituals, regardless of faith—be it Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jain, or Sikh.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among minority groups and opposition parties, with calls for swift action to prevent escalation.

While many have voiced concerns about the issue and the possibility that the incident may impact the social fabric and communal harmony in the state, the police have not taken any action so far.

It is not even known if any FIRs were filed in connection with the case. However, many individuals have called for a suo-moto action either by the police or courts since the matter has been widely shared on social media.

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