The Christmas celebration at a Catholic school in northeastern India was violently interrupted following an assault by a group linked to Hindu nationalist organizations. The events took place on December 24 at St. Mary’s School—a reference Catholic institution in the Panigaon region—when several individuals burst into the school grounds while festive activities were underway.
The attack occurs in a context of growing hostility towards Christian communities and other religious minorities in various areas of India, especially during public celebrations and visible acts of faith.
Violent Intrusion and Damage in the School Grounds
According to information published by El Debate, the group entered the campus around 2:30 PM and began causing damage to the facilities. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants tore down Christmas decorations, removed posters, knocked down LED lights, and set fire to various decorative elements, while shouting Hindu religious slogans.
At the time of the attack, members of the educational community were in the center, which generated a situation of tension and intimidation. The aggressors tried to meet with the school principal, Father Baiju Sebastian, who was not present. In his absence, they confronted the superior sister and the school’s regent brother.
Arrests Linked to Hindu Nationalism
According to data confirmed by the state police and cited by Verdad en Libertad, four people were arrested for their alleged involvement in the attack. The detainees would be related to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and its youth wing, Bajrang Dal, organizations integrated into the ideological framework of Hindu nationalism.
The detainees were identified as Bhaskar Deka, district secretary of the VHP; Manash Jyoti Patgiri, district vice president; Biju Dutta, deputy secretary; and Nayan Talukdar, district coordinator of Bajrang Dal. The authorities are investigating the participation of at least two dozen men in the assault.
This new episode once again highlights the pressure faced by Christian educational institutions in a country where Hindu nationalism has intensified in recent years its discourse and actions against the public presence of Christianity.