Kalpit Parajuli

Nepali authorities confiscate seven royal palaces, including King Gyanendra’s current residence, Kathmandu’s Narayanhity Palace. Sovereign can live there “till the government’s next decision.” Three palaces are on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites.

Marking World Day for Indigenous People’s, they demand to be safeguarded and representation in the National Assembly elections. The Nepalese government promises “the requests will be considered”.

Communist Party (Maoist) quits ruling coalition, threatening political action before elections to Constituent Assembly. United Nations mission to disarm fighters and bring peace in the country runs the risk of collapsing.

Entire zones of the country are without drinking water and electricity: relief work is impeded by the lack of infrastructure and air support. Among the possible causes of the tragedy the system of barrages along the Indian border which block water runoff.

A group of volunteers build a house for a poor family, forced to live in a tent. A testimony to faith in Christ, in everyday gestures.

Maoist fighters escape from a camp in Yangsila, in eastern Nepal, violating an agreement with the United Nations to count the number of weapons and fighters. Unresolved political issues are the cause of the break-out.

Few attend events organised by King Gyanendra to celebrate his 60th birthday. The monarch is increasingly excluded from the country’s public life. The prime minister takes his place to celebrate religious ceremony, the first time in 1,300 years.

The Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity have dedicated their life and work to building a better Nepal, giving hope to those without hope, helping those who are weak. Sister Leslie, superior since 2003, says that whilst there were problems at the beginning, now things are much better even if there is a lot to be done.

A member of the Buddhist Studies Department at a Nepali university talks about growing Buddhist influence in the West and conversions from Buddhism to Christianity in Nepal. Buddhist studies give students greater understanding of the faith but few job opportunities.

An ex Hindu Kumari speaks of her reclusion spent in isolation, deprived of friendship, family and education. Now in the wake of having deposed, she has graduated from high school and promises to challenge the “inhuman superstition” which would have her remain single for the rest of her life.

Nepals’ monarchy has approved norms to abolish the monarchy. The Prime Minister marks this historic step in strengthening democracy. In 2006 the country was declared secular and the sovereign at the time forced to abdicate his executive powers. For Hindu’s the King of Nepal is the reincarnation of the divinity Vishnu.

Nepals ministry for education has recognised a total of 58 Muslim schools. The Muslim community welcomes the “democratic decision”. Since 1995 the Nepalese government has made many attempts to recognise the Madrassa, but upon till now nothing concrete had been done.