Dimapur, December 27 (MExN): The National People’s Party (NPP), Nagaland State, has expressed concern over reported incidents from various regions of the country, including the Northeast, during the Christmas season, stating they have caused anxiety among minority communities and raised serious questions regarding public safety, administrative response, and constitutional protections.
In a statement issued by its Media & IPR Cell, the party stated that while the Prime Minister’s participation in a Christmas church programme on December 25 was a “welcome symbolic affirmation of India’s pluralistic ethos,” it is “deeply distressing” that during the same festive period, incidents involving “fringe elements” were reported. These incidents, ranged “from intimidation to the vandalism of Christmas decorations and disruption around places of worship” across various parts of the country. “NPP Nagaland State strongly condemns such nefarious activities, which disrupt communal harmony and bring a bad name to the country by projecting an image contrary to India’s constitutional values, civilization ethos, and democratic credentials,” it said.
It emphasised that India, as the world’s largest democracy, is “constitutionally bound to uphold secularism, equality, and the fundamental right of every citizen to practice and celebrate their faith without fear.” It argued that any situation where communities feel insecure during religious observances “demands immediate attention and firm corrective action.”
While expressing respect for democratic institutions and law-enforcement agencies, it raised the imperative to “examine whether administrative lapses or delayed responses are allowing isolated incidents to escalate and create an atmosphere of fear and psychological distress.” “Public confidence depends not merely on assurances, but on visible, timely, and impartial action,” it asserted.
The party cautioned that failure to curb such activities decisively “risks eroding public trust and undermining the very essence of inclusive governance.” It stated, “no individual or group has the authority to interfere with lawful religious or cultural practices,” adding that “the responsibility to ensure safety, dignity, and equal protection rests squarely with the State and must be exercised without bias.”
It urged the Union and State authorities to “act decisively, prevent further escalation, ensure accountability, and reaffirm—through concrete action—India’s unwavering commitment to constitutional values, pluralism, inclusivity, and the rule of law.”
