Nepal

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.

The Maoist minister for Infrastructure and Labour refuses to grant the Melamchi Water Project commission to the English company Stwi as the Asian development bank had urged. The ADB wi8ll cut funding by June 30th is a commission winner is not announced, possibly Stwi.

Teachers launch strike for better job security, but job action really worries students across the country. More than 35,000 schools are shut down. Strike is set to continue until the government does not guarantee a contract and increases wages.

Mgr Sharma, 40 years a priest, has committed himself to work to create a democratic and prosperous society and to encourage inter-faith cooperation. What people say about him, and the story of a young Church that is nonetheless active in helping the people, especially in backwards rural areas.

Pilgrims who travelled to the Buddha’s birthplace of Lumbini to celebrate his 2551st birthday yesterday were saddened by the sight they found. For many the environmental degradation of this Buddhist holy site is part of a deliberate government policy to encourage industrial development as a way to prevent the spread of Buddhism.

An orphanage run by the Pentecostal Church in Birganj is attacked and one child is wounded. A Hindu extremist group claims responsibility. It says it wants to restore the country to its Hindu theocracy, accusing Christians of converting Buddhist and Hindu children to Christianity with funds from pro-Maoist groups. The establishment’s administrators reject the accusations.

Muslims claim that despite the end of the theocratic monarchy Nepal remains a Hindu state. They want guarantees and quotas for their minority. Members of other minorities agree. For them it is essential that Nepal become a secular state.

Indian news agencies report that an Islamic extremist group has made threats against the life of the Buddhist leader. In Nepal monks and lay people are praying for his safety as believers from all communities organise a joint prayer meeting. In India the authorities have beefed up security arrangements around the religious leader.

Following recent confrontations, Maoists join national government. Members from various religious denominations express renewed hope for peace but have doubts about Maoists’ real intentions.

Maoists and Madhesi opened fire in the center of a city. The Madhesi assemble the least affirmed social groups, of which Maoists take distance from when they reached power. The drama of the 100 thousand Bhutanese refugees in Nepal.