Christopher Sharma

The prefect of Propaganda Fide was set to arrive tomorrow. His schedule included visits with earthquake survivors and civil society groups. An anonymous source said the visit was cancelled because the prelate’s security could not be guaranteed. Proposed territorial divisions are the cause of ongoing protests as minorities feel the government is unresponsive to their demands.

The prefect of Propaganda Fide will visit areas affected by last April’s quake. He will meet religious and political leaders. For Catholic leader, his presence will reduce tensions and help talks on the country’s secular constitution. After his first stop in Bangladesh, the prelate will travel to Kolkata where he will celebrate Mass at the tomb of Mother Teresa.

The violence lasted for five months. The victims lured with the promise of a good job. Also conducted in the Indian jungle for strange sexual practices and gang abuse. One victim tells of dozens of trafficked women, probably sold in Saudi Arabia.

Students take advantage of a brief break in the curfew imposed 27 days ago. Protesters tried to get them to join the protest action. Dozens of people have been killed in clashes in Nepal’s Terai region. Young students feel their future is not safe. Catholics are coping better than others with the curfew.

Last Sunday was International Day of the Disappeared. During Nepal’s decade-long civil war, some 12,800 people were killed and almost 100,000 were displaced. At the end, both government and rebel forces had committed war crimes. As victims tell their stories, activists call on the government to sign and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

Madhese and Tharu representatives reject proposed administrative divisions adopted by the big parties. Under a revised version, the constitution’s final draft would include a seventh province. Since it became a secular state in 2007, Nepal has not yet adopted a final constitution.

Eight policemen, beaten and burned to death, and a two year old child crushed by the crowd. The minority Tharu wants an autonomous province. Interior Minister sends the army. Appeal of the Speaker of the House on all parties "to work for solidarity and peace."

Nepal is attracting foreign companies and couples because of its existing facilities and low costs. Several local private hospitals are equipped with the necessary technology, although, according to experts, the lack of legislation can create problems, such as many poor women forced by their husbands to become surrogate mothers.

Sanjaya Islami Magar killed Judge Rana Bahadur Bam in 2012 and then fled to Saudi Arabia. There he changed his name and began to teach the Koran. Islamic leaders in the kingdom oppose extradition because he has converted many Hindu Nepalese workers. Converted emigrant: "He presented himself as a Muslim. I only just discovered that he is using the faith as a mask to cover his murder".

Nepal’s new constitution continues to elicit protest. The separation between state and religion is an issue that has been settled for young Christians. The latter are economically independent and ready to join their peers in other religious groups to fight poverty and unemployment.

Minority groups complain that the country’s new territorial divisions ignore their demands. The authorities blame the Madheshi for the violence. A ten-day protest is underway in western Nepal. Sadbhawana Party Members of the Constituent Assembly quit. For the former, the way the “provinces were demarcated will definitely invite conflict”.

Mgr Paul Simick led the Eucharist of the Assumption. Hundreds of Catholics as well as many Buddhists and Hindus took part in the celebration. He stressed the role Catholics play in Nepali society as it undergoes a difficult transition, as well as the value of the feast of the Assumption and Mary, mother of Christ.