Assam Chief Minister Promises Action After School Vandalism

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that strict action will be taken against four individuals arrested for vandalism at St. Mary English School in the Panigaon area of Nalbari District. The incident occurred on December 26, 2025, just days ahead of Christmas celebrations. The accused allegedly entered the school premises and damaged property, including Christmas decorations, street lights, and plant pots. Some items were reportedly set on fire, leading to significant destruction.

The arrests were confirmed by the Assam Police, which acted swiftly in response to the incident. According to reports, the four individuals arrested include Bhaskar Deka, district secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP); Manash Jyoti Patgiri, vice-president of the VHP; Biju Dutta, assistant secretary of the VHP; and Nayan Talukdar, district convenor of the Bajrang Dal. The chief minister’s announcement on social media platform X emphasized the state’s commitment to maintaining peace and communal harmony.

State Government’s Commitment to Peace

In his statement, Himanta Biswa Sarma reiterated the government’s intolerance towards actions that disrupt communal harmony. He stated, “We are fully committed to maintaining peace, communal harmony, and ensuring the safety of all institutions and citizens across the state.” This public commitment aims to reassure residents that the government is taking the issue seriously and intends to uphold law and order.

The vandalism incident has sparked significant public concern regarding religious harmony in Assam. Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Congress, condemned the actions on his social media account, stating, “I strongly condemn the desecration of festive items and religious symbols in a school in Nalbari.” He further criticized the state government, asserting that the principles of fraternity enshrined in the Indian Constitution must be upheld.

Gogoi pledged that if the Congress party comes to power in Assam in the upcoming elections, they will introduce stringent laws to punish anyone responsible for desecrating places of worship or religious symbols, regardless of the faith involved.

Implications for Community Relations

The incident at St. Mary English School raises critical questions about the state of communal relations in Assam. As tensions increase, the actions taken by both the state government and community leaders will be pivotal in shaping the dialogue on religious tolerance and coexistence.

The swift arrests by the Assam Police may serve as a deterrent against similar acts of vandalism in the future. Community leaders and residents alike will be closely monitoring the situation as the government proceeds with legal actions against the accused.

The events surrounding the vandalism highlight the importance of maintaining peace and unity in a diverse society. As Assam navigates these challenges, the responses from both government officials and community representatives will play a vital role in fostering an environment of respect and understanding among all faiths.