Shillong,Dec 24: The National People’s Youth Front (NPYF) on Wednesday strongly condemned the alleged harassment of women wearing Santa hats in Delhi by members of the Bajrang Dal, calling the incident a “clear case of religious persecution and mob vigilantism.”
In a press statement, the youth wing of the National People’s Party (NPP) said the women were reportedly stopped in public spaces, accused of religious conversion, and forced to leave—actions the organisation said go far beyond moral policing.
“Targeting women for wearing festive attire associated with Christmas reflects a disturbing attempt to criminalise cultural and religious expression in a secular democracy,” the statement said.
The NPYF said the incident comes at a sensitive time, when Christians across India are preparing to celebrate Christmas, marking the birth of Jesus Christ, the most significant event in Christian belief. It termed the alleged actions “deeply insensitive and divisive.”
“No individual or organisation has the authority to interrogate citizens about their faith, clothing, or beliefs,” the statement added, warning that such acts violate fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution and threaten India’s pluralistic fabric.
The organisation demanded immediate legal action against those responsible and urged law enforcement agencies to act firmly to prevent what it described as the growing normalisation of religious harassment in public spaces.
“India is governed by the Constitution, not by mobs,” the NPYF said, adding that it would not remain silent in the face of intolerance, religious hatred, and attacks on women’s dignity.
The statement was issued by NPYF national president Nickey Nongkhlaw.
