Archive for December, 2006

“This is the first time we are celebrating Lhosar as an equal and free citizen.” An elated and jubilant Gurung boy said. Nepal has never been colonized and 1990’s constitution had acknowledged basic human rights. So how come this is the first time Gurung people are celebrating Lhosar as a free man. He replied, “Nepal is now secular country. We don’t have to bear tag of being Hindu Kingdom any longer. We all are equal and have our own religion. My country doesn’t have primary religion and I don’t have to nod when any foreigner told me Nepal’s Hindu Kingdom feeling as if me and my religion don’t belong to Nepal.

Yes, Nepal is secular state now. After the April Revolution, Nepal has witnessed many changes in state mechanism that is bound to have future significance. On Jestha 4, 2063 (18 May, 2006) reinstated House of Representatives declared itself sovereign and sovereign House declared Nepal as secular country. Soon after its announcement euphoric indigenous and people of other religion than Hindu came to street to celebrate. Declaring Nepal as secular state had been demand for long time. While drafting 1990’s constitution also this voice roused. Drafters put this demand in the constitution and sent it to royal palace for final approval. But when it came out, it has declared Nepal as Hindu Kingdom not secular as demanded. Finally people’s demand for secular Nepal is fulfilled.

But not everyone feel the same way. Orthodox and extreme Hindus have also come to street demanding Nepal be declared Hindu Kingdom not secular one. Many general public also share this view. They are not just yet ready to accept the changes. They argue that despite being Hindu Kingdom, people of other religion were never discriminated and Nepal hasn’t witnessed any communal violence. Now it has been declared secular state, communal violence might pick up. Asked how, they reply that by declaring secular, state has given chance to Hindu extremities like Shiva Sena etc. to play their game. In 2061 Bhadra, Nepal witnessed the worst communal violence after 12 Nepalis were killed in Iraq by insurgents. As response to the brutal murder, mob attacked Mosques, Muslim’s houses and their religious places. Analysts believe many extremist Hindu organizations like Shiva Sena etc. were behind this. So declaring Nepal as secular would be a big mistake. They also argue that every religion was given equal space and liberty.

But those for secularism don’t feel so. They say only they know the pain and discrimination they faced during those times. Prior to 1990 carrying Bible was like a crime. They were sent to jails or tortured on the accusation of converting people’s religion. People of other religions were laden with many Hindu Systems and processions. They were given 15 day long holidays during Dashain but not in Christmas or Lhosar or Eid etc. In 2058 when King Birendra and his entire family were killed, government ordered all of its service men to go bald though many religions like Islam or Sikhism prohibits people to be bald. Other religions values and sentiments were not considered. This is major example of how primary religion of a nation plays major role in state mechanism. Many laws, rules and regulations of Nepal were made according to Hindu religion or sentiments. Still there are many laws carrying Hindu spirits.

But people for Hinduism as primary religion of Nepal believe that now their identity is in big crisis. There have been many allegations that Hindus are being converted to other religions by showing them money or other promises especially by Christians. They fear such cases would rise.

Even if we see the census of 1991 and 2001, we can see surge of population of other religion than Hindus especially of Christians. So a big question arises i.e. is really conversion taking place? But there are also defenders of such allegations. They say that every human has right to choose his or her religion. If someone likes other religion and wants to convert, it shouldn’t be a big issue. If we want to clip this, then talking about democracy and freedom would be total nonsense.

Whatever the accusations are, declaring Nepal as secular state has been definitely a positive step towards inclusive democratic process. Though it made extremist unhappy, it would be nonsense talking about New Nepal if some religion or community were left behind. By declaring Nepal as secular and recognizing indigenous and marginalized community’s demand, government and concerned parties have acknowledged that Nepal can be re-structured only if everyone is united. So let’s be united as Nepali rather than as Hindus or Muslims or Christians etc. and help in building new Nepal where freedom, democracy, prosperity and peace awaits.

But how do you feel about it? Are you in favor of secular Nepal or of Hindu Nepal? Come lets discuss.