Home Minister Lekhak warns against using religion for political gains

KATHMANDU: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that no religion should be used to fulfill political interests or justify criminal activities.

Responding to lawmakers’ queries in the House of Representatives, Minister Lekhak stated that religion must not be misused for intolerance, disorder, or unlawful acts.

He emphasized that committing crimes under the guise of religion or using religious sentiments for political objectives is completely unacceptable.

“No religion is superior or inferior,” he said, adding that the recent arson and violence in Tinkune are criminal acts that must not be linked to any faith or belief system.

Referring to Hinduism, he remarked that the religion upholds values of non-violence, peace, and brotherhood—principles that were clearly absent during the Tinkune incident.

Lekhak also condemned the pro-monarchy slogans raised during the unrest, calling them unconstitutional and inappropriate under any circumstance.