Nepal’s Christians face growing threats as monarchists demand Hindu kingdom

Ongoing protests in Nepal aimed at restoring the monarchy – and a Hindu state – are causing political unrest, and many Christians are worried about what this might mean for them.

There’s growing fear among Christians in Nepal as thousands of monarchists took to the streets last week, calling for the country to return to being a Hindu kingdom.  

On 29 May, in Kathmandu, royalist parties led by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) renewed calls for the restoration of the monarchy and a Hindu state. The demonstrators, carrying Nepali flags, umbrellas and posters of former king, Gyanendra Shah, marched peacefully from Sifal to Ratnapark, chanting slogans such as “Bring the king back to the throne and save the country” and “We want monarchy back”. 

Earlier this year in March, pro-monarchy demonstrations turned violent, resulting in two deaths and multiple injuries, including property damage. This was followed by another protest on 8 April organised by the RPP. This latest demonstration drew broader support, with 45 royalist and pro-Hindu groups united under the Joint People’s Movement, but the crowd was estimated to be between 5,000-7,000 people. However, many Nepalese citizens view a return of the monarchy as improbable; Gyanendra and his son, Paras, are deeply unpopular. 

Attacks on Christians are increasing 

Nepal, formerly a Hindu kingdom, was declared a federal and secular state in 2008, abolishing 240 years of monarchy. Now, Christians in Nepal fear that the country is following India’s lead away from secular governance, and that if it were to become a Hindu kingdom again, they may see their freedoms diminish. 

“Amidst the ongoing and escalating political tension in the country, Christians are also affected, as there are growing calls for a dominant Hindu kingdom,” explains Kapil*, an Open Doors local partner. “We pray for God’s mercy and justice to prevail for all in Nepal.”  

The call for Hindu rule comes as Christians have seen the numbers of attacks on their communities increase in the Terai, the southern plains of Nepal. At the same time, over Nepal’s southern border in India, Christians are facing ever greater persecution as Hindutva nationalist groups turn against any minorities who do not adhere to the Hindu tradition.  

Royalists promise more protests   

Some critics have also accused Gyanendra Shah of receiving support from religious fundamentalist groups in India, linked to the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and its leaders. 

The Royalist alliance has announced an indefinite protest campaign as they aim to sustain pressure on the government to amend the constitution and restore the monarchy. Royalist leaders have vowed to continue mobilising through mass demonstrations and civil disobedience, despite ongoing government crackdowns and legal actions against their leaders. 

The government, meanwhile, has firmly ruled out any negotiations with the royalists. It remains committed to the federal democratic republic system established in 2008 and continues to reject calls for constitutional amendments to restore monarchy or the Hindu state. Authorities have also pledged to maintain strict security measures to prevent future unrest.  

Raju*, another Open Doors partner, says, “We request your prayers for unity and perseverance among Christians in Nepal, especially as demands for a Hindu nation and the return of the monarchy increase from extremist groups.” 

*Names changed for security reasons