South Asia News
Two killed in blast at church in Kathmandu
May 23, 2009, 6:50 GMT
Kathmandu - At least two people were killed and 13 others injured after a bomb went off in a church in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu Saturday morning, police said.
The bomb went off as people gathered at the Church of Assumption in Dhoibighat area, a suburb in Kathmandu Valley.
Both the victims, including a 14-year-old girl, were Indian nationals, police said.
Both were rushed to hospital in critical condition and died while undergoing treatment, the police said.
Several other injured people were reported to be in serious condition, according to officials.
Witnesses said the bomb was in a woman's handbag that was placed inside the church as some 150 people gathered for morning prayers.
There were no immediate claims of responsibility. However, media reports said leaflets of a group calling itself the National Defence Army was found near the church.
The group has been demanding Hinduism be declared the official state religion of Nepal. It has used such tactics in the past.
Police said they had heightened security across the capital city following the blast.
Hinduism was the official religion of Nepal until 2006, when the country declared itself a secular nation following the overthrow of King Gyanendra's government.
The blast came just hours ahead of the vote in parliament to choose a new prime minister to replace caretaker Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in South Asia
- 1. Sri Lanka leftist party says leader, activist are abducted
- 2. US agrees to let Afghan forces take lead in night raids
- 3. India, Pakistan leaders want better ties
- 4. Pilot killed in crash of Bangladesh Air Force jet
- 5. Pakistani president visits India for lunch meeting, prayers
Older Talkback
page: 1
The first comment is an absolute nonsense. Everyone who values his own faith is bound to share it with the rest. The same thing for catholics as for any other. So blaming them for offering their faith is just as stupid as blaming them for their existence.
On the other hands, catholics and christians in general usually acompany their preaching with the good labor, giving away and caring for the poor. Rather than leaving them in misery as many others, or exploting them through a caste system. Which is the true nature of the hate towards christians. That they teach that we are all just the same, leaving some without the slaves they are used to.
It is curious you are blaming a religion of only 6000 believers, where in the country apart form hindis you have buddists, and muslims in much much greater number (some millions).
When you are trying to explain an assasination (including kids), it doesn't matter wether you first say it is not right. You are just justifying it.
This is in response to Miguel's comment. 'The first comment is an absolute nonsense. Everyone who values his own faith is bound to share it with the rest. The same thing for catholics as for any other. So blaming them for offering their faith is just as stupid as blaming them for their existence.'
-> Have you seen these missionaries working here in Nepal, sir? I have seen it in real. These so called 'missionaries' offer people money to convert their religion. Give them medicines, and tell them it's from the Lord Jesus and it's him who helped him. They tell them 'JESUS IS THE ONLY GOD.' Then they start inviting them on every mass, offering them money. And eventually, they are made to abandon the old religion they are born with. I won't critisize helping poor Nepalese. But, the way they do it, it's not acceptable. Lives of poor Nepalese cannot be uplifted by establishing Churchs. Learn to respect other religions. Period.
'It is curious you are blaming a religion of only 6000 believers, where in the country apart form hindis you have buddists, and muslims in much much greater number (some millions).'
-> Have you checked the census? Only 6000 believers? When was the last time that you checked it? Do you have any idea that ever since this country was declared a secular, the number of so called missionaries are increasing day by day? Has these so called extremist Hindu group ever attacked any Buddhists, or Muslims? Are they converting poor Hindus to their religion? Unlike Christians, who are doing so openly.
I'd advise you to check the fact, be a part of it before trying to 'justify' convertism.
Thanks.
I am disagree with the Nepali's comment as he said missionaries giving money to the people for converting them. If someone pay money to you will you convert or not. Answer yourself, People convert to some other religion is not because of money but because they convinced. We need to find out why they convinced and leaving their very old religion. Its subjet to analys and reseach not bombing. Every individual has right to choose thier god. Atleast I haven't heard till now that some christian trying to stand against other religion in such a brutal way.
Even whole nepal convert to christian and I alone remain hindu, I don't mind as I know who I am.
Terrorism is condemnable, period.
page: 1
NepaliMay 23rd, 2009 - 14:26:25
The loss of lives resulted by explosion inside the church is truely condemnable. However, few things must be considered well, before jumping into any conclusions, as to why it might have happened. The growing number of missionaries are responsible for converting many poor hindu Nepalese into Christians. These missionaries give some amount to poor communities in the name of improving lives, but with main mission to convert them from Hindus to Christian. This shouldn't be tolerated either. Where is the morality? Had these missionaries been so keen on uplifting lives of poor Nepalese, they could have started some project, rather than converting religions. And I believe, this is the very reason why this bomb explosion happened. I truely condemn this explosion. However, missionaries here in Nepal should not try to convert people in the name of development.
Report this comment