Authorities in Hisar have intervened to prevent a potential flashpoint on Christmas Day. The local police have officially warned members of the Bajrang Dal against organising a Hanuman Chalisa recitation and havan outside the historic St Thomas Church on December 25th. The warning was issued due to a lack of official permission and serious apprehensions about communal harmony and public order.
Police Notice and Organisers Identified
Hisar police spokesperson Vikas Kumar confirmed that the Civil Lines police station in-charge served formal notices to four individuals linked to the event. The identified organisers are Amar from Kameri village, Sanjeev Chauhan of 12 Quarters, Kapil Vats from Indira Colony, and Praveen Lahoria of Lahoria Chowk in Hisar. These individuals are stated to be associated with the Bajrang Dal and related groups.
"The organisers have been informed that no permission has been granted by the district administration for the proposed event," stated Kumar. He added that they were directed to provide specifics about the expected crowd size and their plans for managing it. The police notices explicitly advised against holding any programme that could disturb law and order or communal peace without prior district approval.
Strict legal action will be taken if any activity violates these instructions or disrupts public peace, the police warned. The situation is being closely monitored to ensure stability.
Community Concerns and Conflicting Claims
The police action followed concerns raised by the citizens' group 'Action Against Hate' and local residents, who approached the district administration about the planned gathering. A delegation of social activists, including Prashant, Rajiv Sardana, and others, met officials to express their worries.
Activist Prashant said they first met Municipal Commissioner Neeraj Kumar, who confirmed the organisers lacked permission. Subsequently, they met Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan, who assured them of appropriate action to maintain order.
However, Kapil Vats, one of the named organisers and a VHP district chief, presented a conflicting account. He claimed permission was sought from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), who referred the matter to the Civil Lines police station. Vats insisted that police granted permission as per rules and that the event, titled 'Hindu Shakti Sangam', is confirmed. Police have firmly denied granting any such permission.
Church's Stance and Preparations on Ground
Despite the controversy, preparations for the event were visibly underway. A saffron flag has already been hoisted outside the 160-year-old St Thomas Church, and a banner announcing the 'Hindu Shakti Sangam' programme has been put up. The banner claims that national and state-level leaders will attend.
Victor David, chairman of the church's peace and discipline committee, provided context. He mentioned that every Christmas, a 'Sarva Dharma Sabha' (meeting of all religions) is held at Krantiman Park in front of the church, with multi-faith participation. Last year, some groups tried to obstruct it, but it proceeded with administrative support.
David emphasised that this year's interfaith programme would also be organised only with the full cooperation of the district administration, stating it would not be feasible otherwise. The police warning underscores the administration's effort to proactively manage sensitivities and enforce legal protocols during the festive period.
