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Architect of secular Nepal, who eased life for Christians, dies

KATHMANDU (ENI) Girija Prasad Koirala, a former prime minister of Nepal and the architect of a secular republic in what was once the world’s only Hindu State, died after a protracted illness in Kathmandu on March 20.

He was one of the leaders of a pro-democracy struggle in 1990 that led to his appointment as prime minister in May 1991, and a government that relaxed its vigilance on the church, and dropped legal cases against Christians accused of proselytizing.

Koirala’s death creates a vacuum during a critical time, with Nepal scheduled to adopt a new constitution by May 28. At least one influential group wants for the country to return to being a Hindu State.

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