Christmas is usually a joyful celebration for the Christian communities. However, this is not the case for Nepali Christians this year.

There have been several violent incidents against Christians since last August after a video went viral allegedly showing Christians eating beef. In the Hindu religion-dominated country, the video infuriated some Hindu extremist groups and led to attacks against Christians and vandalism against churches.

After the attacks, the Kathmandu International Christian Congregation and local Christian leaders were alerted by local authorities about a “possible bomb attack”. The Christian organizations in the country are on high alert. Kathmandu Cathedral installed security cameras, and the worshipers attending religious services are asked not to carry backpacks to avoid members of extremist groups bringing in explosives.

Father Lalit Tudu, parish priest at Assumption Cathedral in the capital Kathmandu said,

“There is a sense of fear and insecurity rippling through the Christian community amid Christmas celebrations. We feel exposed to hostility for being Christian.”

Father Silas Bogati, vicar general of the Vicariate Apostolic of Nepal, added,

“Christmas is a time of joyful celebration and we should celebrate it with joy and not fear.”

For Nepali Christians – just as in many other regions where Christian persecution is constant – Christmas celebrations will be permeated by the fear of a possible attack.

Source: AsiaNews

Photo: AFP