KATHMANDU, NEPAL, May 25, 2006: Nepal has been declared a secular state by the parliament of the multi-party government that King Gyanendra handed power over to in April of this year. The announcement has sparked protests by thousands of Nepalis who want Nepal to remain the world’s only Hindu kingdom. Shiva Patel, a resident of Birgunj, said, “More than 5,000 people burned tires and logs, and blocked roads in Birgunj, about 150 km south of Kathmandu.” Local journalist Govind Devkota added, “Shouting ‘Jay Shree Ram!’, demonstrators obliged shops to pull down shutters and forced vehicles off the streets. They are demanding that Nepal be declared a Hindu nation. It’s peaceful so far, but could turn violent.” The news release explained, “About 80% of Nepal’s 26mn people are Hindus and 11% Buddhists. In April, King Gyanendra bowed to weeks of pro-democracy protests and handed power to a multi-party government after almost 15 months of absolute rule that drew worldwide condemnation. He also reinstated the parliament disbanded in 2002. The parliament quickly moved to curb the king’s powers, took control of the army and declared Nepal a secular nation. Meanwhile, Nepal’s new government headed by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has formed a team to open negotiations with Maoists, three weeks after announcing a ceasefire and asking the guerrillas to come for talks.”
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