The Gurkha regiment in the UK have been connected with us in major heroic partnership, keeping peace for 200 years. 130,000 Gurkhas died in WW2. This was true friendship, mutual admiration and a partnership founded on bravery which endured for generations. The bond through suffering and joint sacrifice runs deep. (Note brilliant video featuring 8 year old Reva and Ganesh for KS2 UK school syllabus). It was with great sadness to both Brits and Nepalese in '24 when Russia recruited 15,000 nepalese to fight in a way which the vast majority of the country did not support. (See helpful article). I sat with an ex military man in Kathmandu recount the situation with tears, as he showed me photos of his ancestors who had fought with UK soldiers against such tyranny, dictatorial control, and destruction. The desire and prayer in the UK is for a peaceful Nepal.
What is behind this communications ban?
The presentation of the issue to clampdown on apps from Nepalese authorities states procedure, finance and appropriate compliance as the driving motives. Given that other legislations for business do not always follow through with the same rigour, there is some significant doubt that this is just a finance issue for business. For some it is a move by those who may be lining their own pockets for giving market advantage, for others it is just another way to control press and what is said behind the governments ears. It would appear that the socio-political need to see what people are saying and to whom is indeed an issue and factor in consideration (at least from our outside perspective). This is the nature of world communication, in such a proximity to its bigger neighbours North of the border who are adept at knowing what is being said, by whom and what dire consequences can be administered if folks don't fit in with governmental views or plans.
Which platforms are banned and what impact will it have ?
- TikTok
- Viber
- Nimbuzz
- WeTalk
- OpoLive
It's my understanding that Telegram and global link are in due process of registration, will return shortly and that the government are so far saying the decision will be temporary if registration is completed. Regardless of the length of this period it will have massive social and economic impact, taking away the tools of a developing economy which has built its foundations on such.
How can we pray ?
- Pray for UK families and friends who work together for the well-being of Nepal and its wonderful people. Pray that we will be able to communicate and operate appropriately about important issues, helping with agility re: many needs and the progress of new community relationships in a country which is so in need of the message of love from His people.
- Pray that the economic impact will somehow be limited. Ironically the move to ban tools which so help the economy of a nation trying to gain economic progress will have an impact. If neighbouring countries are favoured in their apps, this obviously will have an impact on future financial and business partnerships.
- Pray for safety for those friends who communicate and seek to do so wisely. May God guide their steps and hedge them in protection as they travel and talk, share and communicate, love and win.
- Continue to pray for those who come in peace to be able to function appropriately in these and other areas of our world.
- In all these things praise God that his plans are bigger than we understand, and that his covering includes such issues as this (see last blog). He can make all things fruitful. (Gen 50:20).
- Praise the one who needs no apps to speak clearly. Pray that His voice will be heard above all things. ( Gen 1:1, Psalm 19:1-7, Psalm 33:9, Hebrews 1:2).
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