Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress president Mira Borthakur Goswami on Thursday urged the Assam Chief Minister and the state Director General of Police (DGP) to act firmly after members of Bajrang Dal allegedly vandalised property and religious items at St Mary’s Girls institution in Nalbari on Christmas Eve. She said the incident has shocked many people in Assam, especially because it took place during a peaceful festival.
According to reports, Bajrang Dal members allegedly entered the school premises and damaged items linked to Christmas celebrations. They also reportedly objected to the celebration of Christmas in the area. Goswami said such actions go against the spirit of religious freedom and harmony that India is known for.
She said India is a country where people of different religions live together and celebrate their festivals freely, and this must continue in Assam as well. 
Goswami also said she personally respects all religions. She mentioned that although she comes from a Brahmin Hindu family, she has read religious texts such as the Bible, the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita. She stated that none of these holy books speak about hatred against any religion or support the destruction of places or symbols of faith.
She added that insulting or attacking another religion goes against the basic values taught in all faiths.
The Mahila Congress president further appealed to the Assam Chief Minister to look into the Nalbari incident and ensure that such situations do not take place again. She said the Chief Minister must make sure that peace and law and order are maintained in every part of the state.
Goswami also referred to other reported incidents in Assam, including tension in the Karbi Anglong region, and said the government should act firmly to prevent unrest. She warned that if law and order are not controlled, Assam may face more trouble and instability in the future.
She also appealed directly to the Assam DGP to monitor the situation closely and take strict steps wherever needed to stop attempts to disturb peace in the name of religion.
Goswami also spoke about respect between communities. She said that slogans or religious expressions from any community should not be used to threaten or hurt another. She said that festivals whether Christmas, Hindu festivals, Muslim festivals or others are meant for peace, goodwill and joy.
She also said that she was deeply upset by the Nalbari incident but was trying to stay calm and avoid worsening the situation. However, she added that people should not be silent when actions threaten social harmony.
Goswami appealed to all political and social groups to act responsibly and not encourage divisions. She said Assam has always been known for peaceful coexistence among different communities and that this tradition must be protected.
She said ordinary people of Assam regardless of religion want peace, development and mutual respect. She added that leaders and officials must work to ensure that no one feels unsafe while practising their faith or celebrating their festivals.
Goswami said that problems begin when religion is used for political gain or when emotion is misused to create division. She warned that the state and country could suffer long-term damage if hatred is allowed to grow.
She also said that people across the world look at India as a place where many religions live together, and that image should not be damaged by irresponsible acts.
The Mahila Congress leader said that she hopes the state government will ensure that such incidents are properly investigated and that people in Assam can continue to celebrate all festivals freely and safely.
