RPP chair Lingden raises concern about reports of atheism promotion by the US in Nepal

Kathmandu / March 27: American envoy to Nepal Dean R Thompson called on Rastriya Prajatantra Party chair Rajendra Lingden at the party’s Dhumbarahi-based central office in Kathmandu on Wednesday and discussed various bilateral issues of mutual concerns.

During the meeting, Lingden raised concerns about American politician Brian Mast’s claim that the Biden administration had spent half a million US dollars to promote atheism in Nepal, according to a press note issued by the RPP.

Republican congressman Mast had recently said that the Biden Administration was sending half a million dollars of the tax dollars to promote atheism in Nepal.

However, Ambassador Thompson denied the claims saying that the US agencies were not involved in such activities and his government had no policy of that sort. He also added that US assistance was focused on the upliftment of the marginalised communities, the RPP said.

The American envoy, according to the party, also added that the US was mindful of Nepal’s religious harmony and unity, further adding that the US intended to return the idols stolen from Nepal at different points of time in the past and re-establish them in their respective temples and monasteries.

RPP chief Lingden also informed Thompson about the party’s preparations for Kathmandu-centric protests, of which the party had earlier in February submitted a 40-point demand to the government.

The party, which advocates for the reinstatement of Hindu kingdom in Nepal, has been holding protests across the country putting forth various demands including restoration of the monarchy and Hindu state. The party also stands against the present form of federal system.

Lingden also informed the US envoy that his party was in favour of investigating the properties of high-ranking political and administrative officials who held public or important administrative positions following the 1990’s people’s movement that ended the 30-year-long partyless Panchayat system and reinstated multi-party democracy in the country.