India, Dec. 26 -- The Meghalaya unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday demanded the harshest punishment for those attempting to disrupt Christmas celebrations in several parts of the country, asserting that such incidents go against India's civilisational values and the Constitution's guarantee of religious freedom.

Meghalaya BJP chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang's statement comes against the backdrop of opposition parties raising concerns over attacks on Christians in the run-up to the festival in Assam, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

"Christmas is a festival that celebrates the bond of love which unites every living being on Earth. It is cherished by Indians across communities, irrespective of caste, creed or religio...