On 7th February, authorities in Nepal initiated an investigation against 17 US nationals and one Indian citizen for allegedly engaging in illegal religious conversion of Hindus under the pretext of social work. As per media reports, their passports have been seized by the authorities, and the Immigration Department of Nepal is assessing legal action, which includes the possibility of deportation.
The detained individuals have been identified as Ryan Matthew Carter, Silas Daniel Fox, Russell Thomas Howells, Rose Bryan Howells, Mark Alan Summers, Matthew Bryan Kennedy, Patrick Irvin Summers, Duane Michael Godling, Benjamin Ward Kaufmann, Bryan Ward Kaufmann, Dylan Jackson Bonzo, Kathleen Sue Moore, Dawson Andrew Carter, James Nathan Austin, William Raymond Viviano Jr., Kenneth David Gray, and James Ray Murphy III. Furthermore, Basant Lama, an Indian national from West Bengal, has also been named in the investigation.
Allegations of forced religious conversion under the guise of social work
The individuals reportedly entered Nepal on tourist visas. They were volunteering to construct a building for the Prerana Kalyankari Society in Dharan, Sunsari. However, it was allegedly only a cover to convert locals to Christianity. Nepal has strict laws that prohibit religious conversions. Authorities suspect that the accused misused their tourist visas for a covert plan to convert locals.
The Chief District Officer of Sunsari, Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, confirmed that the accused were detained and questioned by the authorities. Speaking to the media, he said, “Since their visa period has not expired, we have forwarded the case to the Immigration Department for further action.” He added that if the accused are found guilty of violating Nepal’s religious and immigration laws, strict action will be taken against them.
Possible deportation and legal consequences
Initially, the arrested individuals were held at the District Police Office in Sunsari. Later, their documents were sent to the Immigration Department for further action. Officials confirmed that the individuals had entered Nepal on 15-day tourist visas. If found violating the norms, they could face deportation and entry bans under the Immigration Act 1992.
Nepal’s strict stance against forced religious conversions
The Constitution of Nepal explicitly prohibits religious conversion, reinforcing the country’s commitment to preserving its culture and religious identity. According to Article 26(2) of the Nepalese constitution, no one shall engage in activities that attempt to convert others or threaten religious harmony, with legal consequences for violations.
Missionaries converting Hindus in Nepal at a concerning pace
Christian conversion in Nepal are happening at an alarming rate. In January 2023, OpIndia reported that the Christian population has possibly increased by 68% in Nepal in less than a decade, thanks to Christian missionaries, especially from South Korea. A report by BBC titled ‘Christian missionaries target birthplace of Buddha in Nepal’ explained how South Korea, in particular, has been sending evangelists to Nepal. As per the report, Nepal had 3,76,000 Christians in 2011 (census numbers), which has increased to approx 5,45,000 now, a jump of 68%. As per the latest census, the number stood at 5,12,313 which is fairly close to the estimate.
