Thapa makes a pitch for Hindu state

CHITWAN, July 17

Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal Chairperson Kamal Thapa on Friday condemned ‘the pro-secularism elements’ for trying to do politics in the name of religion.

Inaugurating a monthlong religious programme at Devghat Dham, Chitwan, Thapa called for unity among the people who follow the Sanatan Hindu religion.

“We know that the country cannot shed off its secular tag until our leaders show the willpower to stand against the western interests,” he said, warning of stern agitation if the country was denied its old identity of a Hindu country.

Prior to the festival’s inauguration, the organisers had carried out a Kalash Yatra from Lions’ Chowk of Narayangarh to Devghat. The programme is scheduled to continue till August 17.

According to Ram Prasad Dhungana, chairperson of Devghat Spiritual Awakening Council Nepal, the monthlong religious event comprises various programmes, including a ritual to wish eternal peace for those who died in the April 25 earthquake.

Meanwhile, with the influx of devotees from across the country and abroad, security has been beefed up in the festival site, keeping in view the security of the devotees. Thapa’s party has long been pitching for Hindu state.