Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kathmandu (Fides Service) - A new page opens in the history of Nepal, a page which is a promise of hope, values of democracy, freedom, human rights. The small Catholic community in Nepal is happy with the fact that this Hindu kingdom is now a secular state
“This change will mean the local Catholic community may obtain official status and all the ensuing positive consequences”, says Fr Pius Perumana, Pro-Prefect Apostolic in Nepal. Cautious optimism was expressed by Fr. Anthony Sharma, Prefect Apostolic, who said “we must wait and see the new Constitution which will be drafted in the coming year and the country’s new laws”.
Other local religious leaders see the change as an opportunity for all religious minorities, Christian, Buddhist, and Muslim, to take a more active part in the social and political life of the country in an atmosphere of pluralism and harmony.
The decision for change came when parliament approved a resolution to drastically reduce the powers of the King. The resolution was presented by the seven party Nepal Alliance which had promised it as a first step to the realisation of a constituent assembly to remodel the state on the lines of a democracy. The resolution replaced His Majesty’s Government with the Government of Nepal government and the Hindu Kingdom with a secular state.
Greeted as “historical” by Nepalese press and people, the resolution puts the whole country, including the army, under direct control of Parliament, instead of King Gyanendra (up to now venerated as the reincarnation of Hindu god Vishnu) no longer supreme commander in chief and whose role is no longer executive.
The reform “reflects the people’s desire to honour the sacrifice of those who went to martyrdom during the demonstrations”, said Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, when he explained the change.
This transformation of the state’s structure also reopens relations with the Maoist rebel groups which supported the April revolt led by the seven party alliance and are now ready to sit down to negotiate a lasting peace. Although for some observers the Maoists have not yet renounced the idea of installing a Communist regime. (Agenzia Fides 23/5/2006 righe 28 parole 298
