Kalpit Parajuli

National reconciliation among different groups of Nepalese society, peace and prosperity: these are the Christmas prayers this year. Despite threats from Hindu fundamentalists groups, the entire country is preparing for Christmas, as Christians and Hindus exchange greetings and gifts.

Maoist government and the UN want to transform the pilgrimage site of Lumbini into a place of mass tourism. Hundreds of Buddhists march in Kathmandu to say no to the exploitation of religion for economic purposes.

Three attacks are carried out between 22 and 28 November. A Christian NGO, a Protestant church and a Catholic school are the targets. A Hindu terrorist group, the Nepal Defence Army, threatens more attacks against Christians and other religious minorities.

After visiting the Himalayan nation Helen Clark, administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), painted an “optimistic picture” of Nepal’s future. Out of 13,000 former fighters, half chose to join the military and the other half opted for a pension. No one sought reintegration into civil society.

Reintegration into society of more than 19 thousand ex-combatants started last November 19. It is the first significant step towards the peace process six years after the Civil War. Only 6500 guerrillas will be able to join the Army. For others training programs and an annual subsidy.

Returning from a pilgrimage to Mecca, the Muslim leaders open to cooperation with Christians and Buddhists. Maoist Government accused of not doing anything to defend the rights of religious minorities.

The Navodaya School opened on Saturday. It is funded by local and foreign Catholic groups. It caters to the Chepang community, the poorest of Nepal’s indigenous communities, which has a 70 per cent dropout rate.

For the Nepalese Islamic leaders the Pope’s call to solidarity and nonviolence pronounced in Assisi is the way forward. In Nepal there is an urgent need for dialogue between different faiths in order to prevent the spread of extremism.

The evacuation began a few hours ago the. Since last October 31, only 500 people have managed to descend to the valley on foot or aboard a small aircraft. In the villages at the foot of Everest food and basic necessities are lacking. About 30 people have been hospitalized for pneumonia and hypothermia.

The fast began on 2 November in the capital. Christians, Muslims and Kirati denounce the inaction of the government that forbids them to have cemeteries.

Nepali Hindus, Muslims and Christians urge people to fight extremism and violence conducted in the name of religion. They express solidarity and mutual respect.

Tihar is a five-day celebration that represents the victory of truth over falsehood. Benedict XVI’s message for World Peace Day has become a point of reference for young Nepalis of all religions. Prayers are said for the pilgrimage of peace underway in Assisi.