Uma fears rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Nepal

New Delhi, May 19: Bharatiya Janshakti leader Uma Bharti today said the resolution passed by the Nepalese Parliament to change the nomenclature of the country from a Hindu state to a secular one would have ''far-reaching'' consequences not only for Nepal but for India.

''In the present parlance, secularism is equated with minority appeasement,'' Ms Bharti said in a statement here, expressing apprehension on whether the Himalayan nation would be able to retain its secular character.

Foreseeing the growth of Islamic fundamentalism in the garb of the Maoist movement in Nepal in the coming days, the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister said it would pose a grave danger to the security and sovereignty, ''not only of Nepal but of India too''.

Ms Bharti claimed that Nepal was a secular state inspite of being a Hindu Rashtra as respect for all religions ''is the essence of Hindutva''.

The decision of the Nepalese Parliament is detrimental to the body politic of Nepal and also to the interests of India, she said.

Earlier talking to UNI from Tamil Nadu, Ms Bharti said the days were not far when Nepal would turn into a hub of Islamic fundamental activities, harming not only that country but also India. ''I feel there will be large-scale conversions in Nepal,'' she said.

While observing that the Maoists had an anti-Hindu mindset, she said this was the reason they forced the new regime in Nepal to change the country to a secular state from a Hindu one.

Ms Bharti, however, expressed happiness over the dawn of democracy in Nepal, saying the people of that country were not happy with dynastic rule. She also cautioned the present regime to remain alert and not fall into the trap of anti-Hindu forces.

The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister also feared that a rise of Maoism and Islamic fundamentalism in Nepal, posing a threat to India. The Maoist slogan that they would march ''from Pashupati to Tirupati'' should not be ignored, she said.

UNI