Bomb Kills Two at Nepal Church

KATMANDU, Nepal -- A bomb exploded in a church in the Nepalese capital during Saturday morning mass, killing two people and wounding 15, police said.
The blast at the Church of the Assumption in Katmandu killed a 14-year-old Indian girl and a 30-year-old woman, said police official Prabhakar Pudasini. The girl was identified as a high school student from the Indian town of Betiah.
It was the first such attack on a Christian church in Nepal where most of the population is Hindu or Buddhist. Religious violence is rare.
Officials said an underground Hindu extremist group claimed responsibility for the attack. Home Ministry spokesman Navin Ghimire said the group, the National Defence Army, left a note found at the scene.
Little is known about the National Defense Army, including the identity of its leader, and its capability in carrying out attacks.
The bombing came just hours before the parliament elects a new prime minister. It follows weeks of political instability. The election of a new prime minister is hoped to ease the tension.
An eyewitness who was attending the service said a bag – which appeared to be filled with books – was left on the floor.
"Someone moved the bag to make some space and it just exploded," said Sunamaya Budathoki, adding that the mass was attended by at least 150 people.
Churches in Nepal hold mass on Saturdays because it is public holiday when schools and offices are closed. Sundays are working days.
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