A group of Christians, including a US woman and an Indian man, who were training local pastors were seized and detained by police on 23 April.
The group, based in Nepal, were accused of trying to ‘lure conversions’ and were detained overnight. Meanwhile, a box of Bibles, a laptop, a USB stick, cash, a nebu-liser machine, and a vehicle were reportedly taken from the group at a hotel in Dang district in midwestern Nepal. The American woman is reportedly being held under house arrest and may soon be deported. Meanwhile their driver has since been released, but remains under investigation.
Assaulted
In a separate incident, a Nepalese pastor is still suffering a month after being attacked by men claiming to be Maoists.
‘I still have headaches and chest pain, though I am under strong medication,’ Pastor Pariyar said.
He later quoted Matthew 5:10, Christ saying those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake are blessed.
‘I find courage in reading of the persecution that my fellow Christians are undergoing,’ he said. ‘My suffering is little in comparison.’
The pastor was riding a motorcycle on his way back from distributing free toys and stationary to Dalit children when two motorcyclists stopped him.
‘One of them caught hold of me from my chest and pulled me down from my motorbike and dragged me towards the jungle,’ Pastor Pariyar said.
Attempted escape
Twice Pastor Pariyar tried to escape, but each time they kicked him to the ground. ‘They said I am preaching foreign religion, converting people and “feeding” on dollars in return. They asked me to hand over all the [supposed, US] dollars I am carrying to them, and they will spare my life. I asked them who were they to question my work and demand money from me, to which they said they were “underground Maoists”.’
A passing car’s lights fell onto those who were attacking him. The men fled, warning him not to preach.
