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| Christian community in India faces attacks by Hindu extremists /Photo File (The Telegraph) |
While Christmas celebrations continue across the world, members of India’s Christian community have faced harassment, violence and intimidation by Hindu extremist groups in several parts of the country.
According to international media reports, Hindu hardline groups launched attacks on churches, disrupted Christmas gatherings and targeted Christians celebrating the festive season. Multiple incidents of threats, vandalism and obstruction of Christmas events have been reported nationwide.
In the Indian capital New Delhi, activists of Bajrang Dal allegedly harassed women and children wearing Santa Claus hats in public spaces. The extremists reportedly warned them to stay indoors, branding Christmas celebrations as “non-Hindu culture.”
In Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur, videos circulating on social media showed Hindu extremists vandalising Christmas decorations. Even decorations set up inside shopping malls were not spared.
Similar incidents were reported in Assam, where Christmas decorations were set on fire by Bajrang Dal members. In Madhya Pradesh, extremists reportedly entered a church, carried out vandalism and raised provocative slogans. In Uttar Pradesh, individuals gathered outside churches, sang religious chants and harassed Christian worshippers.
In Kerala, an attack took place on December 21 when a group of children singing Christmas carols was assaulted, and their musical instruments were damaged.
Adding to the community’s concerns, the Uttar Pradesh government has reportedly cancelled Christmas holidays in schools, prompting strong reactions and anxiety among Christian groups.
Human rights observers say the repeated targeting of Christian religious activities during Christmas reflects growing intolerance and raises serious questions about the safety and religious freedom of minorities in India.
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