Declaration of Nepal as secular state criticised Kathmandu: Nepal parliament's proclamation declaring the world's only Hindu Kingdom as a secular state has evoked a mixed response with the majority Hindu groups saying the decision has hurt the community. People hurt ``The decision of the so-called Parliament has hurt the faith of the 900 million Hindu populace across the globe and brought about possibilities of a religious crusade in Nepal,'' Shiv Sena Nepal president Arun Subedi said. The Parliament should not have panicked over preserving the only Hindu Kingdom in a world where 52 countries are Christians and 46 Muslims, the outfit said. Arjun Lamichhane of the Bishwo Hindu Youth Federation said the issue of secularism should not be raised in a country where religious tolerance has always prevailed. However, some minority ethnic groups have welcomed the decision. ``With this declaration, the nation has moved towards ensuring social justice and harmony,'' Pasang Sherpa, general secretary of Confederation of Indigenous and Ethnic Groups of Nepal, said. ``We welcome the decision as minorities are exploited in a state that rules on the basis of a certain religion,'' he said. — PTI FROM:"THE HINDU" Printer friendly page Send this article to Friends by E-Mail