KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal today underlined the need of greater religious tolerance and harmony for peace and prosperity. PM Nepal also mentioned that the country had unshakable trust on secularism.

Addressing a tea reception and greetings exchange ceremony organised to mark Christmas by Nepali Christian community in the capital, Nepal hoped that the Christian community would play a constructive role to give an inclusive constitution to the county. "Incorporating the voice of all sections of the society, including Christian community in new constitution is the need of the hour," he said appealing all to cooperate for the purpose.

The PM extended his heartfelt greetings to the Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion and wished that the festival would help the country restore peace and sustain democracy. The PM also appreciated the role of Christian community in promoting humanity, love, compassion and social harmony. "Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal has ruled out the feudalistic thought of one caste, one religion and one language in compliance with the mandate of Jana Andolan II," he argued.

Meanwhile, Minister for Culture Dr Minendra Rijal said that the country had adopted a policy of promoting and protecting all religions. "It is a brighter side of cultural and religious diversity of the country," he added.

Nepali Congress vice-president, Gopal Man Shrestha said that all religions were of same importance in a secular state. CPN-UML leader, Bharat Mohan Adhikari, was also present on the occasion.