Political party demands Nepal to be restored to a Hindu nation

Following the steps of neighbouring India, Nepal is seeing an escalating demand for a Hindu nation.  

Last month, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP, fifth largest political party in the country), and the supporters of the ‘Restoration of the Monarchy and Hindu Nation,’ marched a protest rally in Kathmandu. They chanted the slogan “We love our king and country more than our lives. Bring back the monarchy. Abolish the republic.” 

In February, the RPP announced its campaign to restore the country to a Hindu nation and submitted a 40-point memorandum to the Prime Minister’s office including issues on corruption, ensuring good governance and controlling religious conversions.  

Further, the Ministry of Home Affairs released a letter to all the District Administration Office stating to monitor and take legal action against the people involved in religious conversion. The letter states, ‘Christians and the Christian organizations are conducting seminars and trainings in different districts to evangelize. The foreigners are misusing their visas and are involving in religious conversions. Also, many are staying illegally.’  

The RPP members are requesting the government to strictly monitor Christians and their activities and take legal action against them.  

One Open Doors local partner says “With this, the risks and challenges for Christians have increased. Moreover, the letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs has shaken the whole Christian community. Now, we Christians have to be cautious and alert while exercising our faith. Nepalese Christians are suppressed both at the local and national levels. We already are witnessing violent persecution. In days to come, we might encounter many more. Now, it’s time to create awareness among the churches regarding the recent happenings and equip them for future consequences. Further, it is also a risk for our ministry as we work with the people in the field.”