Religious rights group calls for Nepal talks

(May 6, 2010) As a general strike called by Maoists in Nepal began to bite, the religious rights group Christian Solidarity Worldwide appealed to all parties to enter negotiations so that a new constitution is put in place as planned by May 28. “We are concerned that the new constitution declaring Nepal to be a secular state should enshrine religious rights,” said David Griffiths, South Asian team leader of the group, to UCA News. “Some groups are seeking a return to the former status of a Hindu state,” he said, “but the Maoists are committed to a secular state. The whole process has been thrown into jeopardy by the recent action and we hope they will return to the negotiating table and introduce a secular constitution giving proper protection to religious freedom.” Although the protests have been largely peaceful, the disruption to daily life is causing concern to Church people in Nepal. School and college exams have been disrupted and hospitals have been affected. There were disputes ahead of the strike as the Maoists demanded that churches, schools and other Church property be used to accommodate protesters arriving for a May Day rally in the capital. More generally, food shortages are becoming apparent as fresh supplies cannot reach the capital, Kathmandu.