Nepal declares itself secular, ends Hindu rule

KATHMANDU, Nepal — Nepal, which until recently proclaimed itself the world’s only official Hindu kingdom, has proclaimed itself a “secular state” with equal rights for all its citizens.The decision was announced May 18 by the country’s reconvened parliament following prolonged pro-democracy protest rallies and has been welcomed by several religious leaders. In April, pro-democracy movements led by seven major political parties finally forced the king to reconvene the parliament he had earlier dissolved and appoint a senior politician as prime minister and head of a new government. The reconvened parliament issued a proclamation ending the absolute power of the monarchy and also declaring Nepal a secular state. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala said the move would protect the rights of the nation’s indigenous peoples and minorities.