Christians Urge Dialogue with Maoists for Religious Freedom in Nepal

A series of crackdowns of churches in Nepal by Maoist rebels have raised concern regarding the human rights in the country, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) has reported. On Tuesday, the Nepal News revealed that the Christian community of Nepal has appealed to both the government and Maoist rebels to resolve the crisis through dialogue on the eve of the Christmas.

It was reported by BWA previously that Baptists were forced to close down their churches, and warnings had been issued to uncooperative pastors. They have been told they will have their hands cut off if they if they do not stop.

The Maoists even put activity restrictions on pastors. Pastors who venture out to travel must give detailed reports either to the Maoists or the Army, therefore Baptist leaders are unable to visit the other churches or pastors.

Christian Efforts for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation (CEJPAR) in Nepal said that human rights violations must stop. Also, both the Maoist rebels and the Government must respect the Geneva Convention common article 3. It has also demanded that there must be representation/involvement of the religious communities in Nepal in future talks between the government and the Maoists.

Particularly, Baptist pastors are trying their very best to open up dialogue with the Maoist authority, according to BWA. With the courage of their faith, they have planned to meet with the Maoist commander to request they continue to be permitted to meet.

According to the national coordinator of CEPJAR, Dr. K. B. Rokaya, the Christian community is in favour of a new constitution that can protect the religious freedoms of the Nepalese.

"Since the present constitution of Nepal does not guarantee all fundamental rights of the Nepali people including the religious freedom and these rights can not be guaranteed through mere amendment of the constitution, the Christian community in Nepal is in favour of a new constitution," the statement said.

CEJPAR addressed in a statement that the Maoist problem was a political issue and hence should be resolved through political means.

"All parties in the conflict as well as the civil society must be willing to discuss the agenda put forth by the Maoists namely round table discussion, interim government and election of the constituent assembly," CEJPAR demanded.

"Nepal’s Christian community is always for peace and is always in favour of a healthy competitive democratic political system and is opposed to any form of dictatorship," the statement said.