ASIA/NEPAL - Isolation and state of emergency but no social disorder in Nepal: concerns and hopes of Christian community

Thursday, 3 February 2005

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Kathmandu (Fides) - Army troops patrol the streets, communications are suspended, the media, newspapers, radio and television are silent and telephone lines have been cut since a state of emergency was announced. Kathmandu airport has been reopened although only for a few flights. However, a local Church source told Fides, there is no social disorder, no public protest. There is concern but not alarm in the local Catholic community. This is the picture of the situation in the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, after King Gyanendra dismissed the government and took power himself.
The state of emergency suspends all civil rights such as freedom of association and expression. The King’s move was followed by the arrest of several members of Opposition parties and movements.
The King said his intervention in politics was necessary to guarantee stability and security since the government failed to deal with the problem of Maoists rebel groups which continue to terrorise civilians in many parts of the country. King Gyanendra acted because of widespread corruption and inefficiency among the Nepalese ruling class, fragmented in many parties and movements, which paints a bad image of democracy. Despite disapproval expressed by powerful neighbour India, the United States and the United Nations, rather than support the ousted government the Nepalese people apparently still loyal to the monarchy have sided with the King who has presented members of a new government which he will lead.
Local sources told Fides that the King respects and appreciates the local Catholic community and will not touch acquired rights of freedom of worship.
In Nepal for the past nine years groups of Maoist rebels have fought the monarchy to install a communist regime in a conflict in which at least 11,000 people have died. Recent attempts to mediate for negotiations have proved unsuccessful and parts of the country are still under control of the rebels.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/02/2005 Righe: 27 Parole: 289)