Matters India Reporter
Bongaigaon, December 25, 2025 — Christmas celebrations at St. Mary’s School, Panigaon, in Assam’s Nalbari district were violently disrupted on December 24 when a group of miscreants, allegedly linked to Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), stormed the campus, vandalized decorations, and set festive items ablaze while shouting religious slogans.
According to sources, the group entered the premises around 2:30 pm seeking to meet the school principal, Fr. Baiju Sebastian. In his absence, they confronted the Superior Sister and Regent Brother present on campus. At the time, Fr. Sebastian was attending an official meeting with the District Commissioner and was unable to respond to calls.
Witnesses reported that nearly 20 men warned school authorities against holding Christmas programs. When agitated, they removed hoardings, pulled down LED bulbs, and shouted slogans. Videos of the incident, reportedly featuring Bajrang Dal slogans, later circulated on social media.
Upon returning to the campus, Fr. Sebastian contacted the Additional Superintendent of Police, and the matter was brought to the attention of Bishop Thomas Pulloppillil of the Bongaigaon Diocese. A formal written complaint is expected.
“This is not free speech. This is intimidation,” said Fr Sebastian. “Selective intimidation of Christians is not nationalism. It is unconstitutional conduct. Every citizen has the right to pray and celebrate in peace.”
Police in Nalbari confirmed they are investigating the incident.
St. Mary’s School, which serves nearly 1,000 students, operates in an area with no local Catholic population apart from a few teachers and religious sisters. The attack comes at a significant moment for the Bongaigaon Diocese, which is marking 25 years since its establishment and the silver jubilee of Bishop Pulloppillil’s episcopacy.
Church sources have urged calm and prayer, stressing that such incidents will not deter the Church’s long‑standing service to society through education and outreach. “Our mission is to serve all communities with love and dignity. We will continue to stand firm in faith and in our commitment to education,” said one diocesan representative.
The incident underscores growing concerns about religious freedom in India, where Christmas has traditionally been celebrated as a festival of joy across communities.
“The school operates in an area where there are no Catholics.”
If the school was built for the children of the well-to-do Hindus with money meant for poor Christians, then it is misuse of funds. Jesus Christ has used the Hindu militants to punish the catholic hierarchy. As the Bible says, strange are the ways of God.