In a stark display of rising intolerance, Christmas celebrations in Chhattisgarh have been marred by vandalism and intimidation, with right-wing groups targeting festive decorations and warnings issued against the observance of the holiday.
Vandalism at Magneto Mall, Raipur The festive atmosphere in Raipur, the capital of BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh, was disrupted when members of the Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) reportedly barged into Magneto Mall. The mob vandalised Christmas decorations worth lakhs, specifically targeting a Santa Claus statue and reindeer installations outside the mall. The attackers, armed with sticks, smashed the displays while raising slogans.
Warnings and “Cultural Awakening” Campaign Leading up to the incident, the VHP had released a statement urging Hindus to refrain from celebrating Christmas, framing their opposition as a move to promote “cultural awakening.” The group warned schools against dressing children as Santa Claus and encouraged shops and commercial establishments to avoid participating in the festivities.
Broader Tensions in the State The vandalism in Raipur is part of a larger wave of unrest in the state.
- “Chhattisgarh Bandh”: A state-wide shutdown (Bandh) was called by the ‘Sarva Hindu Samaj’ to protest alleged illegal religious conversions. This call for a strike coincided with the festive period, further dampening celebrations.
- Kanker Incident: Tensions have also been reported in the Kanker district, where a dispute over the burial of a Christian man led to clashes and the vandalism of a prayer hall, highlighting the precarious situation for the Christian minority in the region.
Official Reactions The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed “deep anguish” over these developments. In a statement, they highlighted the “alarming rise” in attacks often carried out by vigilante groups under the guise of preventing forced conversions. The Christian community, which makes up a small minority in the state, has reported feeling intimidated and targeted during what is traditionally a season of peace and joy.
Watch Related Video Report For a news report covering the warnings issued by the Bajrang Dal in Raipur prior to these incidents, you can watch the following video:
Video: Bajrang Dal issues warning regarding Christmas celebrations in Raipur (Zee MPCG)
