Nepal Church blast condemned by religious leaders

(May 26, 2009) The bomb attack on the Catholic Cathedral of the Assumption in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, on Saturday, that killed two faithful, has been severely condemned by religious authorities of the Himalayan nation. Hindu leader Damodar Pokharel expressed shock saying, “Such an attack is not the aim of any religion.” “Such attacks on religious places must be stopped,” he added. Nazrul Hussein, the president of Nepal Islamic Federation and Secretary of inter-religious council, also visited the site and said “Such attacks on holy places are attacks on all Nepalese society, and as such, must be condemned.” Celeste Joseph, a 15-year old student, died on the spot, while 30-year old Deepa Patrik from Patna, India, who was on a honeymoon to Kathmandu along with her husband, died later in the hospital. Some 15 were injured. Dr K B Rokaya of the National Council of Churches of Nepal (NCCN) said that the tragic and sad incident “is going to affect the harmonious co-existence and religious tolerance of Nepal. This certainly should be condemned as innocent people have died,” he said. Although no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, initial investigation suggests the handiwork of Hindu extremists. Pamphlets from the ‘National Defence Army’, a Hindu extremist group that wants Nepal declared as a Hindu nation, were found near the Assumption Cathedral. Nepal has 80.6 percent Hindus, 10.7 percent Buddhists, 4.2 percent Muslims and 0.5 percent Christians.