Following a bomb blast for which the Nepal Defence Army (NDA) has claimed responsibility, CSW is concerned that Hindu extremist violence is on the rise and is urging the government to investigate the recent incidents thoroughly.
As threat of Hindu extremist violence rises, attacks must be investigated
A crude bomb was detonated outside the United Mission to Nepal (UMN) on 22 November. Thankfully there were no casualties or damage to buildings at this Christian charity based in Kathmandu, but, just six days later, there was another attack. Security personnel had to defuse a powerful bomb outside the Assemblies of God Navajiwan Church, also in Kathmandu. The Nepal Defence Army (NDA) has claimed responsibility for the first attack and their leaflets were found at the scene. Responding to these potential atrocities, CSW has called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
Amnesty for Nepal Defence Army chief convicted of violence?
Prior to the bomb blasts, CSW was aware of indications that convicted NDA chief, Ram Prasad Mainali, could be offered an amnesty. The NDA might also be recognised as a legitimate political party, in exchange for giving up arms. Mainali is currently serving a life sentence for his role in the bomb blast in the Catholic Church of the Assumption, Kathmandu in 2009. This attack, which killed three people, followed a spate of bombings and murders linked to the NDA that included a blast in a mosque. Mainali himself has expressed his intentionto enter politics, and Indian Hindu extremists have urged him not to renounce violence.
Attacks must be taken seriously for the good of Nepal
CSW continues to call for Hindu extremist threats to be taken seriously for the sake of religious harmony within the Nepali nation - reiterating concerns raised two years ago. Since 2004, CSW has supported dialogue between representatives of different faiths towards common goals of peace and justice through the Inter-Religious Council. This year's Universal Periodic Review of Nepal at the UN called for perpetrators of human rights violations to be brought to justice. The UN human rights body, OHCHR, has also raised concerns about the pardoning and appointment of officials implicated in serious human rights violations in Nepal.
There are some encouraging signs, but much more needs to be done to ensure that Nepalrigorously protects justice and full religious liberty.
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Pray
Please pray:
- That there will be no more bomb attacks against Christian or any other targets in Nepal;
- That the authorities will rigorously investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice;
- For protection for all religious minorities in Nepal, so that they can practise their religion without fear;
- For the NDA to renounce violence;
- For the NDA to resist pressure from extremists who are encouraging them to commit atrocities.
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