Kalpit Parajuli

The verdict is in connection with crimes committed on Indian soil during Nepal’s civil war. Two former ministers and six lawmakers are among the 11 people convicted. Nepali Prime Minister Bhattarai calls for amnesty.

For Nepali religious leaders, the attack against the Twin Towers generated solidarity among religions, which must work together to promote a secular state. Interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding are the only path towards harmony among Christians, Hindus and Muslims.

Veterans frustrated by the Maoist party infighting. The threat to take up arms against their own leaders if the peace process fails. Maoist cadres accused of opposing disarmament of militias.

The bomb damaged a food factory in Inaruwa in the Terai region. The attack was claimed by a left-wing armed group which aims to expel Chinese and non-indigenous people from the region. Hundreds of Chinese entrepreneurs are working in the Terai, who own the building, textile and hotel industries.

Former fighters still hold 21 camps with weapons. Only the keys to weapon caches in seven UN-verified cantonments are handed over. The country’s stability is in jeopardy. The government appoints a former guerrilla commander as the new finance minister to appease critics.

During celebrations honouring Lord Shiva, Hindu women criticise proposed amendments to the penal code that would ban conversions. For them, such changes reflect the view of rightwing politicians, not all the people.

No speeches or ceremonies were held yesterday to mark World Disappearance Day. During the country’s civil war, Maoist guerrillas were responsible for the disappearance of more than 200 people. This could jeopardise Maoist party’s rehabilitation by the United States.

Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai gets 375 votes out of 574, defeating the Nepali Congress candidate. He is the third prime minister in two years. The alliance with the Madeshi ethnic minority was crucial to his victory. He pledges support for the rights of ethnic and religious minorities threatened by proposed changes to the country’s penal code.

For outgoing Prime Minister Khanal, the new civil code violates the separation between state and religion. In his view, it is possible to make changes that would defend minorities whilst not upsetting Hindus.

Classes for new catechumens from other religions are postponed to further notice. Nepal’s Catholic Church was not officially represented at World Youth Day in Madrid because of the country’s tense situation.

Sections of the new penal code that violate religious freedom translated into English. The purpose is to stir up public opinion to pressure the government. International standards on Civil and Political Rights signed by the authorities after the fall of the Hindu monarchy, violated.

For the first time, a 60-member Chinese delegation visits Nepal. Beijing offers economic aid and long-term infrastructure investments worth US$ 70 million in exchange for support of its anti-Tibetan policies.