KOHIMA, Dec 29: The Global Naga Forum (GNF) on Sunday strongly condemned reported incidents of harassment, intimidation and attacks against Christians in various parts of the country during this year’s Christmas celebrations, terming them a grave violation of constitutional rights and democratic values.
In a statement, the forum said acts such as disruption of church services, vandalisation of Christmas decorations and threats to peaceful celebrants, including women and children, amounted to an assault on the spirit of Christmas and the conscience of the nation. The GNF alleged that the incidents were reportedly carried out by extremist elements linked to the RSS and Bajrang Dal, and described them as “shameful and unacceptable.”
The forum stated that such actions violated Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practise and propagate religion. It cautioned that allowing intimidation to go unchecked could normalise fear and erode constitutional freedoms.
The condemnation followed similar concerns raised a day earlier by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Nagaland unit of the National People’s Party (NPP) over incidents reported from different parts of India, including the Northeast. On Saturday, the NBCC described the persecution of Christians as a growing national concern and warned that continued silence and inaction could threaten the fabric of Indian democracy, calling for stronger protection of constitutional guarantees, coexistence and religious liberty.
Echoing these views, the NPP urged the Union and state governments to act decisively against fringe elements disrupting religious celebrations, stressing that no individual or group has the authority to interfere with lawful religious practices. The party said public confidence depends on visible, timely and impartial administrative action.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the Christian community, the GNF called upon the government and authorities concerned to ensure accountability and safeguard the right of all citizens to practise and celebrate their faith in peace.
