Government forces square off against Nepali protesters.
(Twitter)
Nepal (GFA/MNN) — A lot of world events need intercession, and Nepal’s constitution chaos is no exception. Over 40 people have been killed so far in protest-related violence.
According to Gospel for Asia, believers’ homes and churches make easy targets for angry demonstrators.
Would you add Nepalese Christians to your prayer list?
Please ask the Lord to protect His followers. Pray for opportunities to share Christ’s love and peace.
What’s going on in Nepal?
Along with India’s blockade, Nepal’s leaders are fighting discontent within their borders.
According to Reuters, anti-India protesters joined anti-constitution demonstrators in Nepal’s streets yesterday.
(Photo of Narendra Modi courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
As protesters in Kathmandu carried an effigy of Prime Minister Modi and shouted anti-India slogans, Nepal’s cable federation announced it would no longer broadcast Indian TV channels.
A new three-member government committee is holding talks with protesters, hoping to end violent unrest.
The former Hindu kingdom ushered in a new era after President Ram Baran Yadav signed Nepal’s new constitution on September 20.
More about constitution unrest and its impact on Nepalese Christians here.
Citizens expressed mixed emotions after the historic event. Much of the country cheered, celebrating the nation’s attempt to move forward and bring peace after decades of instability, which included a 10-year civil war that dissolved the nation’s monarchy in 2008.
Others continued to protest, unhappy with certain articles in the constitution that they believe put them at a disadvantage.
(Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
The new constitution officially divides the country into seven federal states, or provinces, and allows each state to have its own legislature. The borders of these states have yet to be determined.
Many of Nepal’s ethnic minorities living in the southern regions have protested this division, fearing it will lead to further marginalization and little political representation.
Nepal’s constitution also makes it a secular nation after centuries of being a Hindu kingdom. The country’s secularism affords its citizens the right to freely practice, profess, and preserve their religion according to their faith.
However, the constitution also makes it illegal to perform any act that is seen as “disturb[ing] the religion of other people.”
What can I do about it?
While traveling to Nepal might not be a practical option for you right now, praying is.
Please pray for:
- The government of Nepal as it works to implement the new constitution.
- Wisdom for Nepal’s leaders.
- Grace and peace for the people of Nepal.
- Discernment and wisdom for Nepalese Christians as they live out their faith in Jesus.
