'Divisive forces threaten religious harmony': Actor Vijay's TVK slams attacks against minorities during Christmas

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Thursday condemned the attacks on Christmas celebrations at various places across the country and demanded measures to protect the religious rights of minorities. The party led by actor-politician Vijay termed the attacks were against the spirit of the Constitution. 

In a statement, Rajmohan, deputy general secretary of TVK, urged the public to reject the divisive "fascist forces that create divisions among the people for political gain." 

"In a manner that questions secularism, which stands as the soul of India, the incidents of disruption to religious harmony perpetrated by divisive forces against Christian people and churches in various parts of the country, including the national capital Delhi, during the sacred Christmas festival season, cause immense pain and shock. Our country is a sacred land where people of all religions live in brotherhood," he said. 

Rajmohan said while Christmas spreads the message of worship and peace, "it is utterly unacceptable in any way to intrude upon places of worship and public spaces, employing violent tactics to intimidate". Calling the attacks an assault on democracy, Rajmohan urged governments to take immediate action against such attacks. 

The new Tamil Nadu political party said miscreants must be identified immediately and stern action must be taken against the anti-social elements "The government must step forward to provide complete protection to the places of worship of minority communities and their fundamental rights. Transcending religion, humanism alone will build a strong nation," he stressed.

TVK's comments come following reports of attacks against Christmas festivities in various parts of the country, allegedly by rightwing activists.