Secularism in Nepal Under Threat: A Struggle to Maintain Constitutional Identity Amidst Religious Fervor

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Rising Hindu Nationalism Fuels Religious Tensions and Violence in Nepal

Birgunj, Nepal – A growing wave of Hindu nationalism, mirroring trends in neighboring india, is increasingly contributing to religious unrest and violence across nepal. Recent events, from clashes during religious festivals to widespread protests, highlight a disturbing trend that threatens the nation’s historically secular character and its diverse communities.

The Hanuman Jayanti Incident: A Spark for conflict

In April,during the celebration of Hanuman Jayanti,a Hindu festival honoring Lord hanuman,a rally organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad,a right-wing Hindu nationalist group,descended into violence in Birgunj. witnesses, like grocery shop owner Samsad Ali, described scenes of young people on motorbikes performing stunts and entering Muslim neighborhoods, chanting provocative slogans such as “Jay Shri Ram.”

The situation escalated when stones were thrown, leading to the vandalism of shops, including Ali’s, and the burning of motorbikes. Local police reported 39 injuries, including officers, and were forced to deploy 149 rounds of tear gas, ultimately imposing an indefinite curfew and deploying the military to restore order.

Escalating protests and Political Turmoil

This incident foreshadowed larger-scale unrest earlier this month in Kathmandu. Massive protests, fueled by public anger over a government ban on social media sites, and also complaints of corruption and nepotism, resulted in 73 fatalities and notable damage to government buildings. The crisis led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who was swiftly replaced by Sushila Karki.

Underlying these protests was a significant, and growing, sentiment among some Nepalis advocating for a return to a monarchy that would re-establish Hinduism as the national religion.

The Influence of India‘s Hindu Nationalist Ideology

The rise in Hindu nationalist activity in Nepal is directly linked to the spread of Hindutva, an ideology promoting Hindu supremacy, from India. Vishwa Hindu Parishad maintains close ties with India’s Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent organization of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, the Nepali branch of the RSS, is actively working to export this ideology across the border.

How did the abolishment of the hindu monarchy in 2008 directly contribute to Nepal’s transition to a secular state?

The Historical Shift to Secularism in Nepal

Nepal’s journey to secularism is relatively recent, a direct outcome of the 2006 democracy movement and the subsequent abolishment of the Hindu monarchy in 2008. For centuries, Nepal was officially a Hindu kingdom, with the Shah dynasty actively promoting Hinduism as a state religion. This deeply ingrained religious identity shaped the nation’s laws,social structures,and cultural norms.

The 2015 Constitution formally declared Nepal a secular state, guaranteeing the right to freedom of religion to all citizens. This landmark decision aimed to address the concerns of Nepal’s diverse religious communities – including Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, and indigenous religions – who had long faced discrimination and marginalization. The core principle was religious freedom and equal treatment under the law, regardless of faith. This constitutional shift was a pivotal moment in Nepal’s modern history, intended to foster inclusivity and social harmony.

Rising Religious Nationalism and Challenges to Secular Principles

Despite the constitutional guarantee,Nepal’s secular fabric is facing increasing strain. A surge in Hindu nationalist sentiment, fueled by political rhetoric and social media, is actively challenging the principles of secularism. Several factors contribute to this trend:

* Political Mobilization: Certain political parties are leveraging religious identity to gain support, advocating for a return to Nepal as a Hindu state. This often involves framing secularism as a threat to Nepal’s cultural heritage.

* Social Media Influence: The proliferation of misinformation and religiously charged content on social media platforms is exacerbating tensions and promoting exclusionary narratives.

* Historical Grievances: Some segments of the population harbor resentment towards the perceived erosion of Hindu traditions and values following the abolition of the monarchy.

* conversion Concerns: Concerns, frequently enough unsubstantiated, regarding religious conversions, notably to Christianity, are frequently used to justify restrictions on religious freedom.

Legal and Policy Battles: Recent Developments

The push for religious re-establishment manifests in several ways, including legislative attempts to restrict religious conversion and promote Hindu religious practices.

* Criminalizing Conversion: There have been repeated attempts to enact laws criminalizing religious conversion, framed as protecting religious harmony. These proposed laws often impose harsh penalties on individuals accused of “proselytization.” these attempts have faced opposition from human rights organizations and international bodies.

* Restrictions on Religious expression: Instances of local authorities imposing restrictions on religious gatherings and practices of minority faiths have been reported, particularly in rural areas.

* Constitutional Amendments: Calls for constitutional amendments to reinstate Hinduism as the state religion, or to grant it a special status, continue to surface in political discourse.

* The Debate over “sanatana Dharma”: The recent use of the term “Sanatana Dharma” by political figures, often in response to perceived challenges to Hindu traditions, has sparked debate about its implications for Nepal’s secular identity. Some argue it’s a benign reference to Hindu beliefs, while others see it as a veiled attempt to promote Hindu supremacy.

Impact on Religious Minorities: A Growing Sense of Insecurity

The escalating religious fervor is creating a climate of fear and insecurity for Nepal’s religious minorities.

* Discrimination and Harassment: Members of minority faiths report facing discrimination in employment, education, and access to public services. Instances of harassment and intimidation, frequently enough fueled by religious prejudice, are also on the rise.

* Restrictions on building Places of Worship: Minority religious communities frequently enough face obstacles in obtaining permits to build or maintain places of worship.

* Social Exclusion: Social ostracism and exclusion are common experiences for religious minorities, particularly in conservative communities.

* Increased Vulnerability to Violence: While large-scale religious violence remains rare, the heightened tensions create a breeding ground for localized incidents of violence and intimidation.

Case Study: The Lumbini Development Fund Controversy

The Lumbini Development Fund (LDF), established to manage and develop the birthplace of Buddha, has been a focal point of contention. Concerns have been raised about the LDF’s increasingly hindu-centric approach to development, with critics alleging that Buddhist sites are being neglected in favor of Hindu temples and shrines. This case exemplifies the challenges of maintaining religious neutrality in a context of rising Hindu nationalism. The LDF’s actions have sparked protests from Buddhist communities and raised questions about the government’s commitment to protecting religious diversity.

The Role of Civil Society and International Advocacy

Civil society organizations and international human rights groups are playing a crucial role in defending secularism and protecting the rights of religious minorities in Nepal.

* Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns: Organizations like Forum for Women, law and Development (FWLD) and Amnesty International Nepal are actively advocating for religious freedom and raising awareness about the threats to secularism.

* Legal Challenges: Civil society groups are filing public interest litigations challenging discriminatory laws and policies.

* Monitoring and Reporting: Organizations are monitoring and documenting instances of religious discrimination and violence.

* International Pressure: International human rights bodies, such as the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, are urging the Nepali government to uphold its constitutional commitments to secularism and religious freedom.

Benefits of Maintaining a Secular Nepal

Preserving Nepal’