Christmas celebrations in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district remained quiet and low-key this year following the recent incidents of violence in West Karbi Anglong. The tense atmosphere in the area has led to fear and uncertainty among many residents, including members of the Christian community who usually celebrate the festival with prayers, gatherings and community events.
The United Christian Forum (UCF) of Karbi Anglong issued an advisory asking churches to avoid large gatherings and to limit celebrations to simple prayer services. Churches were also requested not to organise programmes after dark and to avoid events outside church premises. This move came as prohibitory orders on public gatherings continued to remain in force due to the unrest.
The violence broke out earlier in the week when a protest by Karbi tribal groups demanding the eviction of non-tribals from certain land areas reportedly turned violent. Two people lost their lives in the incident, which shocked the district and dampened the overall festive mood. Karbi Anglong has a significant Christian population, and Christmas is normally observed with church services, carols, decorations and visits to homes of friends and relatives. However, this year many families chose to stay indoors. 
United Christian Forum spokesperson Allen Brooks said the tense situation has had a direct impact on the Christmas spirit. He said many people were still feeling worried and cautious, and the priority for the community was to ensure peace and safety rather than conduct big celebrations. According to him, the church leadership has been urging everyone to remain calm and to cooperate with local authorities during this sensitive period.
The UCF Karbi Anglong also issued a formal appeal asking all churches to follow the prohibitory order that has been imposed after the violence. The order has been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. With more than 300 churches in the district, the organisation requested that all services and programmes be held only during daylight hours. Members have been advised not to travel at night or conduct door-to-door carol visits, which are normally a part of Christmas tradition in the region.
The advisory further asked people to avoid making any provocative comments or statements that could increase tension or misunderstanding between communities. Church leaders have encouraged people to focus on prayers for peace, stability and reconciliation. They also reminded people that Christmas is not only about celebrations but also about faith, reflection and kindness.
In another public message, the UCF appealed to residents of both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong to stay away from violence and to ensure that the situation does not worsen. The organisation stressed that if people want to protest, it should be done peacefully and within the law. Public safety, communal harmony and respect for all communities were highlighted as the most important priorities.
