Who Gave Them the Right? Christmas Vandalism in Assam Exposes Mob Rule, Not Sanatana Dharma

On the eve of Christmas, Assam's Nalbari witnessed not a celebration of culture but a disturbing display of intimidation, vandalism, and self-appointed moral policing. 

Schools were raided, shops were attacked, festive materials were torn down and burned— all in broad daylight. The question Assam must ask today is simple yet urgent: Who authorised this? And under whose law?

The Assam Christian Forum (ACF) has strongly condemned the vandalism of Christmas preparations at St. Mary’s English School, Panigaon, and the targeted destruction of Christmas merchandise at multiple commercial establishments across Nalbari town. The attacks, allegedly carried out by members of the Bajrang Dal and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), strike at the very foundation of constitutional order and Assam’s pluralistic ethos.

Mob Justice on the Eve of Christmas

At St. Mary’s English School, banners, posters, and decorations were forcibly torn down, creating panic among students and staff. The group then moved on to shops including Vishal Shopping Mall, Smart Point, V Mart, and others— burning Christmas gifts and decorations. Reports suggest that 15–20 activists were involved.

Even more alarming are claims that warnings had been issued to shopkeepers days in advance, effectively declaring a private ban on Christmas merchandise. Those who ignored or were unaware of these warnings became targets of what can only be described as mob enforcement.

Videos circulating on social media clearly show the perpetrators in action. Yet, hours after the incident, the streets echo with silence— not accountability. (click)

“Christmas Is Not Indian”? Then What Is the Constitution?

A Bajrang Dal activist publicly justified the raids, stating that Christmas is “not a festival of Hindus or Indian tradition” and therefore should not be celebrated. This statement raises a dangerous precedent:
If one group decides what is “Indian” and what is not, what remains of India’s Constitution?

Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practise, and propagate religion. No organisation— religious or otherwise— has the authority to overrule this right through threats, raids, or violence.

Does Sanatana Dharma Sanction This? Absolutely Not.

Those invoking “culture” would do well to read the very philosophy they claim to defend.

Sanatana Dharma teaches:

• “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family

• “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” — respect for all paths of faith

• Ahimsa (Non-violence) — not coercion, not intimidation, not destruction

• Dharma protects those who protect dharma — not mobs, not lawlessness

Nowhere in the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, or the teachings of India’s saints is there justification for burning another community’s religious symbols, terrorising children, or threatening livelihoods.

Sanatana Dharma does not fear festivals. It does not burn banners. It does not arrive in mobs.
What happened in Nalbari reflects political aggression, not spiritual conviction.

Assam’s Culture Is Not Intolerance

Assam’s soul has been shaped by Srimanta Sankardeva’s message of unity, compassion, and coexistence. From Naamghar to Church bells, from Eid prayers to Durga Puja, Assam has always breathed diversity.

What unfolded in Nalbari is not Assamese culture. It is not nationalism. And it is certainly not dharma.

ACF Demands Immediate Action

The Assam Christian Forum has demanded:

• Suo motu FIRs against all identified perpetrators

• Immediate arrest and prosecution, as the accused are clearly visible in viral videos

• Strict adherence to due process of law and exemplary punishment

• Enhanced security for places of worship and religious events across Assam

Rule of Law or Rule of the Street?

Today it is Christmas banners. Tomorrow it could be books, clothes, food, language— or belief itself.

If mobs are allowed to decide what may be celebrated, sold, or believed in, then democracy quietly dies.

Assam must choose:
The Constitution or coercion. Dharma or disorder. Faith or fear.

This Christmas, the real test is not of any religion—
It is of India’s commitment to justice, pluralism, and the rule of law.

Also Read: Banners Torn, Gifts Burnt: Nalbari Witnesses Pre-Christmas Violence by Activists