Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia has written to the Chief Secretary of Assam seeking protection for members of the Christian community celebrating Christmas, following reports of vandalism at St. Mary’s School in Panigaon village under Nalbari district.
In his letter, Saikia stated that on December 24 some members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly entered the school premises, damaged Christmas decorations, and toppled a statue of Jesus Christ. He also said that the school authorities were warned against celebrating Christmas. The letter mentions that VHP General Secretary Bhaskar Deka had reportedly expressed opposition to the Christmas celebrations in media statements.
Saikia wrote that such incidents, if confirmed, could disturb peace and damage social harmony in the State. He said that restricting peaceful religious celebrations would undermine the constitutional right to freedom of religion and weaken the communal unity that Assam has always valued. 
He referred to past Supreme Court judgments that emphasise protection of religious practices unless they threaten public order or morality. He also highlighted the Preamble of the Constitution, which assures liberty of belief and worship to every citizen.
In his representation, the Leader of the Opposition urged the Chief Secretary to order an impartial inquiry into the reported incident, ensure legal action against those responsible, and take administrative steps to protect minority communities during Christmas and other religious observances.
Saikia wrote that any act that threatens or intimidates peaceful worship “strikes at the very spirit of liberty, equality, fraternity, and constitutional unity.” He expressed hope that the Government of Assam would uphold these values and ensure that all communities feel safe while observing their faith.
