Nepal Government prohibits Muslim religious gathering ‘Ijtima’

Religious fanatic Muslim leaders and Maulanas, who are banned in several countries, were to attend the event; hence, the decision

Kathmandu (Nepal) – The Nepal Government’s Home Ministry has enforced the cancellation of ‘Ijtima’, an annual religious gathering of Muslims, citing religious sensitivity. The Government has ordered the removal of the tents and other facilities erected for the gathering within 24 hours and ordered the Muslim pilgrims to return. The District Administration of the area had received information that some fanatic Muslim religious leaders and Maulanas, who are banned in several countries including India, were to attend this event.

The gathering was organised from 21st to 23rd November in the Duhabi and Itahari areas of Sunsari District in eastern Nepal. Tents were erected on an estimated 80 acres of land for the gathering. 50 thousand people were to attend the gathering. Their seating arrangements were also made. People from several Islamic countries around the world were invited.

The event was cancelled as there was a possibility of provoking religious sentiments in Nepal as well as along the Indian border, due to large-scale gathering of Muslims in the religious sensitive Sunsari District.

Humkala Pandey, Chief District Officer of Sunsari, said that she had sent a letter to the Home Ministry mentioning the challenges that may arise due to this Muslim religious gathering and asked for advice. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Ministry ordered not to allow this event under any circumstances. Hence, the organisers were asked to cancel the event.

Editorial Perspective

Congratulations to the Nepal Government for this decision ! It is indeed commendable that Nepal, a Hindu-majority country and previously the sole Hindu Rashtra, has taken such a decision in the current situation.