Ever since 1 July ,when Father John Prakash of Don Bosco School in Sirsiya, Morang, was killed by members of the 'Nepal Defence Army', concern has grown about security in more than 36 other missionary schools in Nepal. Don Bosco has been closed down after the murder. Father Lawrence, the principal of St Xaviers School and the Jesuit Society warns: "All missionary schools will be closed down if the government doesn't guarantee us protection." If that happens, 17,992 students currently enrolled in missionary schools throughout Nepal will be affected.

In spite of the evidence that Ram Prasad Mainali from the self-styled 'Nepal Defence Army' is responsible for the murder, no action has been taken against him by the Home Ministry or police. Mainali was arrested but released for lack of evidence. Fr John was reportedly killed because he refused to give in to a Rs 1 million extortion demand. The Hindu-extremist 'Nepal Defence Army' also accuses missionary schools of proselytising. Fr Lawrence denies missionary schools have ever tried to convert students to Christianity. "In fact, 99 per cent of our students are Hindus," he says. The perpetrators are using phone numbers stored in Fr John's mobile to extort money from more schools. Many missionary schools are getting threatening calls and demands for money.