Sat Dec 27 11:37:24 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, suitable for publication on December 27, 2025:

Assam Christian Forum Applauds Arrests in Christmas Vandalism Case, Condemns BJP Justification

Guwahati, India – The Assam Christian Forum (ACF) has expressed gratitude to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the police, and Nalbari district authorities for the swift arrest of four individuals involved in the vandalism of Christmas Eve celebrations at St. Mary’s English School in Nalbari. The incident, which saw the disruption of Christmas Eve celebrations and the damaging of decorations, occurred on December 24, 2025, and allegedly involved members affiliated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal.

While welcoming the arrests as a necessary step towards upholding the rule of law and protecting religious freedom, the ACF strongly condemned remarks made by Assam BJP president and Lok Sabha member Dilip Saikia. Saikia reportedly attempted to justify the vandalism by citing “constant provocation” from the Christian community and making unsubstantiated claims about religious conversions.

In a statement released on Saturday, December 27, 2025, ACF spokesperson Allen Brooks said the BJP president’s statement “undermine the gravity of the crime but also risk inflaming communal tensions at a time when unity is paramount.”

The ACF emphasized that Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution guarantee freedom of religion to all citizens and rejected any narrative that portrays minority communities as instigators. The forum called on political leaders to refrain from divisive rhetoric and instead promote dialogue and mutual respect.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of minority communities in Assam, and the ACF is urging authorities to arrest all remaining individuals involved in the vandalism.

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