Rome, Italy, Jul 16, 2009 / 10:37 am
Following the recent bomb attack on the Cathedral of the Assumption, which was attributed to the Hindu group Nepal Defense Army, extremists are now threatening priests and religious in Nepal with death if they do not leave the country “within one month.”
The Apostolic Vicar of Nepal, Bishop Anthony Francis Sharma, said the threats were made to the associate vicar, Father Pius Perumana. L’Osservatore Romano reported that the police have beefed up security at the diocesan chancery in Godavari, where Father Perumana works.
Protestants have also received similar threats. One minister, who chose to remain anonymous, said he received a letter also threatening him with death if he did not leave the country.
L'Osservatore said one of the messages sent by the Hindu extremists read: “We want the one million Christians who reside in Nepal to leave the country. If not we will plant one million bombs in all of their homes.”
“Christians do not hide their concern about the threats and intimidation, but they trust in the will and the capability of countries to confront fundamentalist groups,” Father Perumana said.
“We are on alert but our activities and our mission continue,” he added. “We have faith in the people and in our leaders. We are a beloved and esteemed minority, and the attacks have not destroyed our hope,” he said.