Members of the right-wing groups Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a demonstration outside a church in Bareilly on the evening of December 24, 2025. The protesters alleged that events during the Christmas celebrations had portrayed the Hindu religion in a manner they found deeply offensive.
Protest Details and Police Deployment
The gathering took place near the gate of the church, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Cantonment police station. Upon receiving information about the planned protest, local police authorities swiftly deployed personnel at the location. Their primary objective was to maintain public order and prevent any potential escalation of tensions during the sensitive event.
During the demonstration, participants were seen reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and chanting religious slogans to voice their strong objections. They firmly claimed that the content of the Christmas programme had hurt Hindu religious sentiments, which prompted their public outcry on Christmas Eve.
Viral Video and Wider Attention
A video recording of the protest quickly made its way onto various social media platforms, where it garnered significant attention and sparked widespread discussion. The viral clip captured the scene of the protest and the subsequent police presence, bringing the incident to a national audience.
Authorities remained on high alert throughout the incident, closely monitoring the situation to ensure it did not spiral out of control. The protest concluded without any reported violence, thanks to the preventive measures taken by law enforcement.
Context and Community Sensitivities
This incident highlights the ongoing sensitivities surrounding religious expressions and perceptions in the region. Protests by groups like Bajrang Dal and VHP, citing hurt religious feelings, have occurred in various parts of the country, often leading to debates on freedom of expression and communal harmony.
The timing of the protest, on Christmas Eve, added a particular layer of significance to the event. While the specific details of the Christmas programme that triggered the protest were not elaborated in initial reports, the strong reaction underscores the volatile nature of interfaith issues. The police's role in containing the protest and preventing violence was crucial in maintaining the peace in Bareilly.
