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| Kathmandu, Tuesday February 11, 2003 Magh 28, 2059. |
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Legal
action necessary
I would like to thank
your reporter Surendra Phuyal and TKP for providing information about a master plan for
conducting illegal conversion by Christian missionaries in the outskirts of the capital
city (Jan 10, 2003).
According to state law
(Muluki Ain) part 4, section (Mahal 19), Clause (Adal) 1, "A man is liable to be
imprisoned for three years if found trying to convert a person or attract people by
publicizing to hamper traditional practices so-called Sanatana Dharma. And if he is
already successful in converting, he is to be imprisoned for six years. In case, the
converter is a foreigner, he is also to be expelled from the country following the
imprisonment." Similarly Clause 2 of Article 19 has given rights to only Vedic and
Buddhist religious places and trusts to maintain, manage and protect. This Clause 2 does
not allow to establish any single church, Yehova Witness Centre, Bahai Centre or new
mosques. Anyone found hampering Vedic and Buddhist places and rituals are imprisoned for
three years or fined Rs 3,000/- or both decisions followed.
It would be the
simplest way, if Ministry of Finance-Foreign Aid Coordination Section rejects aid
assistance of INGO Christian missionaries to stop conversions. Because, rejection of aid
assistance INGO Christian missionaries can no longer continue their illegal conversions
without visas to stay in Nepal. The Ministry of Home, Law, Justice and Parliamentary
Affairs must publish in the media a notice of legal action against those involved in
illegal conversions.
M K Shrestha,
Kathmandu |
