Nepali Pastor Fleeing Maoist Threats Seeks Asylum in South Korea

Kathmandu Nepal

Nepali Pastor Fleeing Maoist Threats Seeks Asylum in South Korea Shankar Datta Bhatta, a pastor from Baitadi in Far-West Nepal, is seeking asylum in South Korea after years of persecution. Bhatta, the founder of the Good News Mission, has faced violence and intimidation from both Maoists and Hindu extremists.

Bhatta’s troubles began during the Maoist conflict in Nepal. His father, a former village chairman and Indian army veteran who refused to join the Maoists, was brutally beaten and killed along with his wife. Bhatta himself was threatened and forced to flee his village.

Finding solace in Christianity, Bhatta established churches in Dhangadhi and Kathmandu. However, his efforts faced fresh challenges. Hindu extremists vandalized his churches and obstructed his religious activities. Despite complaints filed with the National Human Rights Commission and various government bodies, Bhatta can’t receiving any  support.

Fearing for his family’s safety, Bhatta sent them to India while he applied for asylum in South Korea. He hopes to continue his religious work and learn from missionaries there. Bhatta’s story highlights the ongoing struggles faced by religious minorities in Nepal, particularly those targeted for their beliefs.