Christian leaders in Nepal warn of rising anti-Christian sentiment after a lawmaker was blocked from entering Janaki Temple by Hindu activists.
Newsroom (23/07/2026 Gaudium Press) Christian leaders in Nepal have expressed concern over what they describe as growing anti-Christian sentiment after a federal lawmaker was prevented from visiting one of the country’s prominent Hindu temples by members of a radical Hindu organization.
The incident occurred on July 21 at the Janaki Temple in Janakpur, a major religious center in southern Nepal. Members of the Hindu Samrat Sena objected to a planned visit by Harka Raj Rai, chairperson of the Shram Sanskriti Party (Labor Culture Party) and a secular politician known for his independent political stance.
According to reports, members of the group accused Rai of promoting Christianity and referenced remarks he allegedly made about cow slaughter approximately a decade ago. Supporters who had gathered to welcome the lawmaker at the temple were reportedly chased away by Sena activists.
Police were deployed to prevent the situation from escalating, but the security response was unable to ensure the visit proceeded as planned. Rai and those accompanying him were ultimately forced to abandon the visit and turn back before reaching the temple.
Christian organizations condemned the incident, arguing that it represents a broader trend of hostility toward minorities in Nepal.
“It is a condemnable act targeting an elected lawmaker in the name of religion,” said B. P. Khanal of the Nepal Christian Society (NCS), an ecumenical Christian forum.
Khanal maintained that the episode was not an isolated occurrence but part of a wider pattern of intimidation and growing anti-minority sentiment, particularly in the southern regions of the country.
Concerns Over Activities of Hindu Nationalist Groups
Christian leaders point to the increasing activities of the Hindu Samrat Sena in Madhesh Province, which borders India. The group advocates ending Nepal’s secular framework and restoring the country’s status as a Hindu state.
According to Christian community representatives, the organization has frequently been associated with campaigns targeting Christian minorities in the region. They allege that the group has promoted hostility toward religious minorities and contributed to an atmosphere of fear among local Christian communities.
Bidur Adhikari, an activist affiliated with the United National Nepali Church Council, said complaints of harassment continue to emerge from Christians living in the southern plains.
“Every week, we receive calls and complaints from our community members living in the southern plains saying they are being harassed and targeted by members of Hindu groups,” Adhikari said on July 22.
He described the temple incident involving Rai as particularly concerning because of the message it sends about the treatment of Christians and those perceived to support them.
According to Adhikari, such actions create a narrative in which Christians are portrayed as people who can be targeted and socially ostracized without consequences.
Cow Protection and Political Controversy
While Christian leaders have framed the incident within the context of increasing pressure on religious minorities, Adhikari also acknowledged that another factor may have contributed to the opposition against Rai’s visit.
The controversy appears to be linked in part to Rai’s alleged comments regarding cow slaughter. Cows hold sacred status in Hinduism, and criticism of cow protection policies is often viewed by Hindu groups as disrespectful to religious beliefs and traditions.
Rai, who began his public career as a social activist, has consistently described himself as a secular independent politician. Before entering national politics, he served as mayor of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City.
His tenure as mayor drew national attention following two incidents of violence in 2023. One dispute was reportedly connected to the construction of a church at a site considered sacred by both Hindus and members of the Kirat community, an indigenous ethnic group from eastern Nepal.
Another controversy emerged after a livestreamed video allegedly showed individuals from indigenous communities consuming beef. The incident intensified tensions surrounding religious identity, cultural traditions, and freedom of expression.
Community leaders said Christians became a primary target of radical Hindu groups following both episodes, further deepening concerns about religious polarization.
Broader Debate Over Secularism
The confrontation at Janaki Temple highlights ongoing tensions surrounding religion, identity, and secularism in Nepal. Since the country adopted a secular constitution, debates have continued between those who support maintaining a secular political system and those advocating a return to Nepal’s former status as a Hindu kingdom.
For Christian leaders, the blocking of an elected lawmaker from a religious site represents more than a local dispute. They view it as evidence of increasing pressure on minority communities and a sign of growing influence among groups seeking to redefine Nepal’s religious and political identity.
The July 21 incident has therefore become a focal point in a wider conversation about religious freedom, minority rights, and the future of secularism in Nepal, particularly in the sensitive southern border regions where religious and political tensions have repeatedly surfaced.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Uca News
Related Images:
