Mizoram Home Minister K Sapdanga, along with several political leaders in the state, has strongly condemned recent incidents of violence and harassment against Christians during Christmas celebrations in different parts of the country.
In a statement, Sapdanga said he was deeply concerned by reports of attacks on members of the Christian community and attempts to disturb Christmas programmes that were being held peacefully.
He referred in particular to an incident at St. Mary’s School in Nalbari district of Assam, where members of a fringe organisation allegedly entered the school premises and damaged Christmas decorations on Christmas Eve. The group was also accused of interrupting the Christmas celebration being held there. 
Sapdanga said such actions were completely unacceptable in a democratic country like India. He added that these incidents go against the principles of secularism guaranteed by the Constitution.
The home minister said that India is home to people from many religions and communities, and all citizens have the right to practise their faith peacefully. He stressed that no one should be allowed to threaten or disturb religious events.
Mizoram Congress president Lal Thanzara also condemned the incidents and expressed concern over the growing sense of insecurity among minorities. He said that efforts to disturb Christmas celebrations hurt the sentiments of Christians across the country, including those in Mizoram, which has a Christian majority population.
