Christopher Sharma

The fifteen-day-long event is Nepal’s foremost celebration. However, temple visitors are down to a third this year as ordinary Nepalis, on the eve of winter, cope with all sorts of shortages – food, clothing, fuel and electricity. “This is an unforgivable sin by Narendra Modi”, said one Nepali. “If the Hindu gods are listening, his government will soon collapse."

For a month Delhi has imposed an unofficial exports ban. No fuel, industries and businesses are closed. The government had forecast a growth of 6% after the quake. Now it is estimated at 2%. Leaders of the private sector: "It is likely that investors will leave the country."

Nepali experts spoke to AsiaNews about the real reasons behind India’s trade embargo. Delhi backs a Hindu monarchy, wants to dominate the country’s politics, and control its water resources, the latter to benefit its own agriculture. It is also interested in its trade routes like the Lipulekh Pass. Neither the new prime minister nor the new secular constitution are to India’s liking. To hide its intentions, it claims it wants to defend Nepal’s minorities.

He stood against outgoing Prime Minister Sushil Koirala. During his campaign, he pledged to lead the country’s reconstruction following its recent earthquake and resolve the diplomatic and economic crisis with India. India and China sent congratulations.

Members of the Madhese community have attacked and robbed Nepalis and Indians trying to cross the border for the Hindu festival of Dashain. The minority is retaliating for the government’s failure to meet its constitutional demands. Modi is ridiculed in a prayer at Nepal’s most important Hindu temple. Bomb explodes in the Buddha’s birthplace, without victims. An ambulance is set on fire.

After 13 days of a border blockade the country "has set us back many years. Without fuel or gas we are using wood". Government bans private cars; half of ambulance fleet stranded without fuel; thousands of students forced to take a vacation.

The victims’ stories are just about the same. Rima Basnet was lured into slavery in Tanzania, and Kamala Tamang was sold in Qatar, where she contracted AIDS before she was thrown out. In both cases, the victims received death threats if they did not perform to satisfy the sex desires of customers. Thousands of women share the same fate: sold and used in the Middle East and Africa.

Section 26 of the new constitutional charter is the offending clause. Hindu and government leaders say it will affect only forced conversions. Yet, after last week’s triple church arson attack, Hindu extremists continue to threaten Christian missionaries. For apostolic vicar, so far no real threat has yet materialised. Hence, “We shall continue our work and meet the needs of the people."

New Delhi disapproves Nepal’s new Constitution and blocks fuel supplies. The decision follows requests from madhese and Tharu minorities. Dozens of villages without supplies and half the cars in the country blocked. Energy Minister flying to India. Students bring the issue to the United Nations.

President of Nepal will promulgate the constitutional text tomorrow. Two days of national holidays. A curfew in the Terai region bans public gatherings. Minority leaders: "Government calls for dialogue but then holds us at gunpoint". Dialogue Committees willing to meet with the authorities to amend the basic charter.

The country becomes a secular democratic federal republic. The Constituent Assembly approves the draft with 507 votes in favour and 25 against. Minority parties boycotted the vote, whilst the Hindu party voted against. The victory comes after weeks of clashes in the streets. For Nepal’s prime minister, this is a “moment of great pride” to celebrate together.

The toll from the attacks is three wounded, all policemen. Leaflets of a Hindu extremist group were found in front of targeted churches. The churches are in the Jhapa district in the Terai region, already the scene of fighting in recent weeks. Interior Ministry spokesman: "No one is allowed to cause violence. All are free to profess their religion. "