Shillong: The Meghalaya unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday strongly condemned reported attempts to disrupt Christmas celebrations in parts of the country, calling for the strictest legal action against those responsible and asserting that the freedom to celebrate festivals is a constitutional right.
State BJP chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said any effort to disturb Christmas celebrations amounted to an attack on the core values of Indian civilisation, which he described as rooted in harmony, mutual respect and coexistence.
He said Christmas is widely celebrated across India by people of different faiths and communities, reflecting its universal message of love and unity.
Reacting to recent incidents reported from outside the state, including concerns raised by Opposition leaders on December 25 over alleged attacks on minorities, Kharkrang said such acts were the work of a “handful of individuals” and should not be projected as organised or politically driven actions.
He accused some political parties of attempting to politicise isolated criminal incidents for narrow gains.
“It is deeply painful to see a few people indulging in acts of hate with the sole intention of disrespecting the spirit of Christmas,” Kharkrang said, adding that such actions went against the very ethos of Indian society and unfairly portrayed the country in a negative light.
He also rejected claims that the incidents reflected the BJP’s approach towards minority communities, pointing out that the Prime Minister and senior party leaders regularly participate in Christmas services.
He said this tradition of inter-faith engagement served as an example for party workers across the country and challenged Opposition parties to demonstrate similar participation by their leadership.
Kharkrang reiterated that safeguarding the right of every citizen to celebrate festivals without fear was “non-negotiable” and demanded that those involved in attempts to disrupt Christmas celebrations be arrested, prosecuted and punished under the strictest provisions of law.
He added that leaders and office-bearers of the Meghalaya BJP were in contact with party units in states where the incidents had occurred to ensure that all those responsible were identified and held accountable.
