Protesters demand Nepal revert to Hindu state

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2007

KATHMANDU (AFP) — Around 1,000 protesters have rallied in Nepal's capital to demand that the Himalayan nation revert to being a Hindu state after the government declared the country secular.

Nepal was the world's only Hindu nation until the government made it a secular country last year following massive protests which forced its Hindu monarch to end his absolute rule.

King Gyanendra is viewed by many devout Hindus as a living incarnation of Vishnu, the god of protection.

The protesters, who included "sadhus" or Hindu holy men, chanted "Hindus unite -- declare Nepal a Hindu state" as they marched into the heart of the city.

Police estimated the crowd at about 1,000.

"Our peaceful protests will continue until Nepal reverts back into a Hindu...