Kalpit Parajuli

Many presbyters have received phone calls warning them to leave the country or die. Unknown callers claim to belong to a Hindu fundamentalist group suspected of involvement in murders and attacks. Despite being informed of the threats the authorities have not taken any steps to protect the victims of threats.

Fr. Sanjaya Ekka is director of the Loyola Students Home in Kathmandu which houses 34 young poor students. The police stopped a 13 year-old barred from the institute a few days ago on the grounds of insubordination. The investigators speculate that the attack is a form of revenge.

Nepalese government unprepared for disasters. Lacking adequate medicines and prevention plan. Most young people are fleeing from the villages for fear of contagion.

China waits no time to protest meeting. Nepali government reiterates its pro-China policy. In India the Dalai Lama’s 74th birthday are celebrated in style.

Last week more than a dozen kidnappings. Many Indian entrepreneurs leave the country in fear. Kathmandu Minister for the Interior: The situation is critical and is in danger of getting beyond our control. The police ask for tougher laws and complain about "political and other forms of protection" of criminals. In the country there is a climate of impunity.

Nepali authorities had announced a special programme to stop the spread of the A-H1N1 virus, but on many border posts instructions and specialised staff have not yet arrived. Health Ministry tries to be reassuring, saying that it is ready top meet the challenge and that delays are due to recent instability caused by the appointment of the new government.

Former Prime Minister Prachanda launches an alliance of “nationalist, patriotic and democratic forces” to sweep away “reactionaries, opportunists and traitors.” Demonstrations against the President and Communist Party-led government continue in the streets of the capital and in many of the country’s districts.

Departures for foreign countries are down by 10 per cent. Manpower agencies are losing applicants but job placement through personal contacts is up.

Over 2 thousand people have fled their homes in 22 villages across Dang district. New Delhi rejects all responsibility and points the finger at Kathmandu’s media.

She confessed to having planted to bomb in the Church of the Assumption on May 23rd. She is a member of the extremist group the Nepal Defence Army. During her interrogation she said “I planted the bomb because I hate Christians, and all other religions, I love only Hinduism”. The police are now on the trial of other group members.

Hindu-dominated Nepal Defence Army on Republic Day announces new attacks. Nepali Catholic spokesperson says Nepali Catholics will not be intimidated, will continue their work.

A day of prayer for the two victims of the explosion in the Church of the Assumption. The Prime Minister is present along with political figures and representatives from other Protestant Churches. Christian confessions call a peaceful rally for Sunday March 31st open to all other religions, to impress the situation for Christian minorities on the Constitutional Assembly.