Former king of Nepal allied with Hindu extremists to return to power
Kathmandu (AsiaNews) - The former monarch Gyanendra is taking advantage of the
political and economic chaos in the country to see Hinduism return as the state
religion. In Easter Week, the last king of Nepal and hundreds of his
supporters will visit the western districts, dominated by poverty, ignorance
and overpopulation, to persuade residents to support a new absolute Hindu monarchy
and eradicate the presence of other faiths. According to media reports in Nepal,
Gyanendra is also seeking support in the Hindu extremist movements, responsible
for numerous attacks against Christians.
Lokendra Bahadur Chanda, former Prime Minister at the time of the monarchy,
from the region of the Maha-Kali (far west of the country), explains that in
the region, poor people are tired of the government politicians who in recent
years have ignored their problems. The politician confirms that among the
population a revival of Hindu monarchy and Hinduism as the state religion is
growing. According to Sher Bahadur Deuba, former Premier and representative in
the western districts of the Congress Party (Conservative), few want a return
to a confessional state. "The Hindu monarchy - he says - has no chance to
return to power. The country is secular and all the main political parties are
making efforts to write a new constitution with no permanent record of the
religion." The political leader points out that religious minorities are a
resource for the country and announces that he will give his best wishes to
Christians who are preparing to celebrate Easter.
Nepal
is a secular state since 2006, after centuries of an absolute Hindu monarchy. The
interim constitution guarantees religious freedom and secularism, but the
Hindus have a great influence on the population and institutions. Since June
23, 2011 the approval two laws are pending that restrict freedom of converting
to a religion other than Hinduism. If validated, they will be included in the
new constitution, to be submitted by May 27, four years after the United
Nations agreement. Catholics and Protestants have recently submitted a document
to parliament calling for respect for religious freedom in the future
constitution.
Each Easter, the Protestant community organizes a meeting in central Kathmandu, despite the risk of provocations by Hindu
movements. Ishu Karki, a Protestant pastor, said the event will bring thousands
of people. "The country has changed - he says - the people have respect
for our religion and will not disturb our celebrations".