Nepal PM Oli Advocates for Religious Neutrality

Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli emphasized the importance of separating politics and religion, advocating for individual religious freedom in a secular state. He criticized efforts to exploit religious identities for political gain or to propagate extremism, asserting respect for all faiths in Nepal's diverse society.

Nepal's Prime Minister, K P Sharma Oli, emphasized the need for maintaining a clear distinction between politics and religion during a recent address. He stated that the Himalayan nation honors the individual's right to choose their faith.

His remarks came at a meeting with the Jain Swetambar Terapantha Sabha in Kathmandu, where he underscored the importance of not intertwining political agendas with religious beliefs in Nepal, now recognized as a secular nation.

While noting campaigns aimed at declaring Nepal a Hindu state and efforts to promote Christianity among the impoverished, Oli warned against intolerance and encouraged respect for all faiths, emphasizing the state's secular identity established after 2008's political reforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)