Groups seeks to restore Nepal as Hindu state

KATHMANDU, Nepal — Once the only Hindu kingdom in the world, Nepal was declared a secular state by its Parliament in 2006 and the monarchy was abolished two years later. Now, with a new constitution due in May, Hindu groups are pressuring the government to reinstate Hinduism as the state religion.

Kalidas Dahal, a Hindu who claims to have supernatural powers, recently launched a nine-day prayer meeting — including a visit by the deposed king — aimed at showing the coalition government that Hinduism continues to enjoy public support.

Dahal’s demand is backed by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal, the only party in Parliament that supports the monarchy and Hinduism. The pro-Hindu party has paralyzed the Nepalese capital with a strike and a blockade of the prime minister’s office and other ministries. It has warned of more protests unless its demands are met.