Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared that strict legal proceedings will be initiated against four leaders from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, who were arrested for allegedly vandalising a missionary school in Nalbari district. The incident, which occurred on December 24, has drawn sharp condemnation from both the ruling dispensation and the opposition, reaffirming the state's focus on peace.
Chief Minister's Firm Stance on Law and Order
In a clear message on social media platform X, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the prompt action by Assam Police and assured that further steps would follow the letter of the law. He emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and communal harmony across Assam, ensuring the safety of all institutions and citizens. This statement came shortly after the arrest of the four individuals linked to the right-wing organisations.
Details of the Incident and Arrests
The vandalism took place on Wednesday at a missionary school located in Panigaon village, under the jurisdiction of Belsor Police Station. According to police reports, the accused unlawfully entered the school premises and proceeded to damage and burn decorative items set up for Christmas celebrations. They are also alleged to have raised religious slogans and warned the school administration against holding Christmas events on Thursday.
The police have identified the arrested persons as Bhaskar Deka (VHP Nalbari district secretary), Manash Jyoti Patgiri (VHP district vice-president), Biju Dutta (VHP assistant secretary), and Nayan Talukdar (Bajrang Dal district convener). A case has been registered at Belsor Police Station, and investigations are ongoing to identify other potential individuals involved in the act. The officer in charge stated that the miscreants caused significant property loss by vandalising lights, plant pots, and other articles.
Political Reactions and Promises of a Stringent Law
Congress state president Gaurav Gogoi also strongly condemned the attack on the school. In a post on X, he accused a sitting BJP MLA and minister, a close aide of CM Sarma, of orchestrating the incident to regain political standing after recent Congress-led protests over the Jal Jeevan Mission scam. Gogoi stated that such acts violate the fraternity enshrined in the Indian Constitution's preamble.
Going a step further, Gogoi promised that if the Congress party is elected to power in Assam next year, it will enact a tough new law. This proposed legislation would strictly punish any person or group found guilty of desecrating places of worship or disrupting the religious rituals of any community, be it Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jain, or Sikh.
The incident has put a spotlight on the state's law and order machinery and the political discourse surrounding communal harmony as authorities continue their probe.
