Kalpit Parajuli

A two-day prayer gathering was held on 24-25 February. The event is set to go on the road to an additional 50 nations, including Myanmar, where slogans will be changed for security reasons.

The possibility of Hindu-Christian clashes is growing. Celebrations on 1 March for Maha Shivaratri, a holy day dedicated to Shiva, are at risk. The dispute is over burials by Christians and other religions in an area near the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath.

The representatives of Christian communities want a direct intervention of the Prime Minister to resolve the conflict between Christians and Hindus in the cemetery near the temple of Pashupati. Christian leader: "If they do not give us a land to bury our dead we will demand Khanal’s resignation”.

The unplanned action provided an opportunity to show non-Christians God’s love. It brought together Protestants and Catholics from various Kathmandu’s parishes, and was appreciated by Hindus. For Komal Oli, a Hindu singer, “When you have faith in God, he teaches you to love the whole of humanity and this is present in all religions”.

Former fighters cite secret agreement between newly elected Prime Minister Khanal and their leader, Prachanda. Maoists claim the Home Affairs and Defence ministries. The country’s stability is in danger after seven months without a government.

Indian police kill two Gorkha women during a peaceful protest for independence. Thousands demonstrate in New Delhi for justice. In Darjeeling District, the government deploys paramilitary troops and imposes a curfew in the main cities.

Hindu monarchists declare one million conversions from Hinduism to Christianity since the fall of the monarchy. Religious leaders of both faiths accuse the Hindu extremist parties of exploiting religion to gain support.

Jhala Nath Kanal, from the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist, was elected after 17 rounds of voting, the first in June 2010. After Maoist leader Prachanda pulled out of the race, Maoist support was crucial for Kanal’s victory. The new government wants to conclude the peace process and provide equality for all religious minorities.

Police and Hindu extremists stop funeral by animist Kirati in Slesmantak forest, near Pashupati temple. Christians, Muslims and animists protest. More than 40 people are injured in clashes. Prime minister urges local authorities to find an appropriate burial place.

The land for the dead is located in a forest near the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. For the extremists, the area is sacred. The government decision comes after years of disputes and clashes with the Hindu community reluctant to give space to other faiths. Often Christians and Muslims were forced to bury more dead in the same grave.

A cold snap strikes the southern parts of the country, especially the farming region of Terai, where most deaths occurred. Schools, factories and airports are closed. Repeated blackouts are affecting hospitals as well.

Guidelines will be first measure to affect Hindus since the fall of the monarchy. The goal is to avoid fundraising for radical groups and the illegal collection of money for alleged social causes.