The voice against secularism is a result of its wrong interpretation by political leaders wanting limelight
Religious minorities in the country are watching the constitutional process with bated breath. Even though the country has been declared a secular state in the draft constitution, remarks made by senior leaders against secularism have not assured minorities that secularism will be enshrined in the constitution. The media is awash with reports that there has been overwhelming suggestions in favor of restoration of Hindu state during the feedback phase. This development has increased panic among religious minorities.Like every marginalized groups in the country, religious minorities too are seeking to enshrine their rights in the constitution. They fear that if Nepal remains a Hindu state they will be repressed as they were during the Panchayat regime. The opposing forces, on the other hand, fear that pace of religion conversion will increase if Nepal is declared secular. We can clearly see that fear has gripped both sides, augmenting the polarization of the society. Therefore, there is a need for meaningful discussion for peaceful solution.
The voice against secularism is partly a result of its wrong interpretation by some political leaders who want to hog the limelight. Right interpretation of secularism will bridge the gap between different religious groups. Instead of advocating for dialogue between faiths some leaders have been inciting violence against religious minorities. It threatens to destroy the peace obtained after a decade of insurgency.
Nepal has remained secular since 2008 when first seating of the dissolved parliament was reinstated by then King Gyanendra after popular uprising against his autocratic rule. Since the declaration of secular country, every religion has been treated equally which has made society more robust. Interim Constitution upholds that provision too. But the prime minister, who took oath of office under the secular constitution, has publicly stated that he is unaware how secularism got into the Interim Constitution. This only exposes the dual character of our political leaders.
The current debate over secularism is taking place partly due to the resurgence of some political leaders who are exploiting the religious sentiments of people to bounce back in politics. These leaders are inciting hatred against religious minorities, which is polluting the environment of religious tolerance for which the country is famous.
Secularism is not rocket science. It is the concept that government or other state entities exist separately from religion and religious beliefs. If the upcoming constitution incorporates secularism it doesn't mean every Hindu will be converted into Christians or Muslims. It is only a movement towards separation of religion and state. The country doesn't believe in religion but in the people, therefore it has no religion to attach itself to. India has remained a secular country despite the religious right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition commanding a comfortable majority in the Parliament. Even though the saffron party is in power it has upheld the secular constitution realizing that secularism will keep unity of different religious groups intact.
If secularism is not enshrined in the constitution it will sideline religious minorities from nation building process. Secularism doesn't endanger identity of any religion, as some argue. Rather, it will unite people divided along religious lines.
Some political leaders believe "religious freedom" instead of secularism should be mentioned in the new constitution. But religious minorities are skeptical. Religious freedom is something that individuals have either to take up or renounce some faith; secularism, on the other hand, is a country saying that it's neutral on religious issues. If religious freedom is granted without secularism, there are high chances of government being biased against religious minorities. For complete religious freedom Nepal should be declared a secular country.
Secularism won't weaken nationality but will bring everybody together, further cementing the bond between different communities. When majority of democratic countries in the world have incorporated secularism in their constitution providing equal opportunity to all religions to flourish I think Nepal won't go back. For the country's peace and prosperity, we need to defeat the forces of religious extremism in the country. Otherwise Nepal is sure to take the path of communal politics as in the Middle East countries where hundreds of people are being killed in the name of religious violence every day.
Going back to Hindu state will be a regressive act. Of course, there are many fears in the country regarding the activities of some religious minorities but that can be checked through relevant laws. Politicizing religion will polarize Nepali society and causes us great harm in the long run. Leaders should instead look to foster unity and tolerance.
The author is with Global Hope Network International
dk7030@gmail.com