Christians and other religious minorities have been asked to ‘reconsider their faith’ as all citizens apply for an identity card upon which their religious affiliation will be stated, it was reported in late May.
Members of religious minority groups will be subjected to greater scrutiny to obtain the official documents, a plan that has prompted accusations of discrimination. They will be asked to reiterate their faith before registering, and if no affiliation is expressed, they will be classified as Hindus. One Christian rights activist told Asia News that the government is trying to discourage people from converting from Hinduism.
Krishna Hari Baskota, secretary at the office of the prime minister, said it was ‘not about discrimination’ but added: ‘We ask all Christians and members of other faiths to reconsider their own beliefs and join Hinduism’.
