RSSThe leader of the Hindu extremist group behind the bombing of Our Lady of the Church of the Assumption, as well as threats to Christians, has apologized.
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Ram Prasad Mainali |
In a handwritten letter sent to Reverend Lokmani Dhakal, managing director of the Protestant monthly news magazine “Hamro Ashish” (Our Blessing), Ram Prasad Mainali says he is currently repenting for his deeds in prison.
Mainali, chief of the Nepal Defense Army (NDA), was arrested on Sept. 5, three months after claiming responsibility for the bombing that killed three Catholics and left many others injured.
NDA is fighting for Nepal to be restored to a Hindu nation. Mainali is currently awaiting trial in Nakkhu jail in Kathmandu.
“I am the leader of the armed Hindu organization, Nepal Defense Army, and I took up arms vowing to throw all Christians out of the country, thereby leading thousands of youths on the path of violence,” Mainali said in his letter dated Nov. 22.
“I am currently spending my life in prison. Many heart-wrenching incidents have taken place in my name, but I am now leading a peaceful life,” he said.
He went on to add: “I will consider myself blessed if I can devote the rest of my life to social service. While staying away from religious war, I am praying to God that I may one day see all religions live in harmony.”
“I request all communities not to look upon me with disdain … and forgive me, love me, have pity on me and pray for me always,” he added.
Reverend Dhakal, who vouched for the authenticity of the letter, told UCA News that if Mainali is actually repenting for his misdeeds, then it is a “good thing for all of us.”
“The letter means our prayers have been answered; this is a big achievement for the Christian community in Nepal,” he added.
He rejected the idea that Mainali could have written the letter to gain sympathy before his trial since the law will have to take its own course.
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Police search for evidence inside the Church of |
“We have no hand in deciding his future as such. I don´t think Mainali´s letter is a ploy to gain sympathy from the Christian community to shorten his prison term,” he said.
Protestant Pastor Bishal Subba, who runs a prison ministry at Nakkhu jail, said that Mainali is attending prayer services and bible classes. However, this does not necessarily mean he has changed altogether, he warned.
Father George Kalapurackal, parish priest of the Assumption church, was also cautious. “We are not sure if the letter is authentic,” he said. “However, if Mainali is repenting and attending prayer services in jail then it is a good thing, as we are always praying for him and his transformation.”
The president of the Nepal Catholic Society, Binod Gurung, welcomed the letter.
“We Catholics have to forgive him whatever his intentions,” he said. “He at least says ´sorry´ and is repenting. This is good news, so let us not take it negatively, but encourage him to mend his ways by accepting his apology.”
The NDA has been blamed for the murder of Salesian Father John Prakash Moyalan in June 2008. It also claimed responsibility for several bombings in recent years including a mosque blast in eastern Nepal in April last year which killed three people.
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