Christian ministry concerned over political turmoil in Nepal

A Christian missionary organisation aiding hundreds of churches in neighboring Nepal has expressed concern over the political turmoil in the strife-torn Himalayan country.

"Nepal needs an absolute miracle," said Gospel for Asia President K.P. Yohannan after thousands of Maoist demonstrators took to the streets in Kathmandu.

The political crisis began on Sunday after the Maoist government fired the army chief, General Rokkmangud Katawal, for refusing permission to 19,000 former Maoist rebel soldiers into the army.

It further deepened with the resignation of Nepal's first Maoist Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda on Monday - after an altercation with coalition partners and President Ram Baran Yadav.

With the latest development, countries across the world have also expressed serious concern over the consequences it can have in the peace process that saw the Maoists lay down their arms before winning an election last year.

"Right now we have a high emergency, but what is worse is that things could go back to the guerilla warfare that we had for the past 10 years," Dr. Yohannan said.

The GFA organisation expressed concern on behalf of the 300 churches and 2 Bible colleges that the ministry supports in the predominantly Hindu nation.

Urging Christians to pray over the situation, Dr. Yohannan said, "We are terribly concerned about the future of Nepal and we ask that Christians around the world pray for this volatile situation."

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon on Monday said he was "saddened" by the current political developments in the Hindu nation. A special session of the United Nations Security Council Tuesday will discuss the situation.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his call for restraint and political consensus," said a statement issued by the office of his spokesperson.

Nepal's political parties will meet on Tuesday to form a new coalition.