Nepal is the only Hindu Kingdom in the World. In February, 1996 the “Peoples War” began and since then this Kingdom has undergone a drastic change. Centuries of repressed anger, hatred, and bitterness swelled up to fuel the insurgency. This once friendly place has become a nightmare for many who cannot escape the terror of the war.
In January 2003 a cease fire was declared and the Maoists and the government sat down for peace talks. The talks went back and forth until August 27th when the cease fire broke down and the country returned to violence. The death toll crossed the 10,000 mark this month and there has been an average of 12 people killed per day in the insurgency since the breakdown of the ceasefire. During the month of February and the beginning of March that number has almost doubled.
The Maoists have declared many bandhs or strikes to celebrate the anniversary of the peoples war. The strikes restrict all vehicle travel and prevents any shops from opening. On average each day of a strike costs the people of Nepal 6.3 million dollars US. This is a sizeable amount considering the average Nepali makes less than $300 dollars a year.
The return of the bandhs ushered in the return of bombing inside the capital. There have been other bombing campaigns inside the capital and across the country but there were no bombs inside Kathmandu during the months of November and December. Since then there have been over 20. Most are what Nepalis call “Socket Bombs” or pipe bombs.
On March 5th two bombs were detonated that marked a significant change in tactics. The first was placed near a busy bazaar area known as Mangal Bazaar. The second was placed in the tourist area known as Thamel. Prior to this time most bombs were placed in an area where there would not be too many civilian casualties. These bombs injured many people and sent a significant message, that they were to be taken seriously.
The bombs announced the beginning of a 15 day “siege” or blockade. The Maoists have stated that they plan to block all transportation, communication, food, and assistance to several places in the western part of the country inside what they call the “Revolutionary Zone.” They are demanding that all government workers or people who work with the government to leave these areas. This siege starts on March 8th.
Please join us in prayer for a peaceful resolution to the insurgency. Please pray for a peaceful resolution to the 15 day siege.
What is our reaction to violence and destruction? Indifference, fear, or faith!
Warring is but a reminder of the ill effects of the curse of sin and life in a fallen world. To the unsaved survival is paramount either through flight or fight. But how should the church respond to war, violence, and destruction, especially if it is thousands of miles away?
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therfore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the Gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take up the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints..." Eph 6:10-18