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 concern.

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 also said the US was mindful of Nepal’s religious harmony and unity. According to the party, Thompson added that the US intended to return to Nepal the idols that had reached the States after being stolen from the country at various times in the past and to help their re-establishment in the respective temples and monasteries.

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

The party 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 people’s movement that ended the 30-year-long partyless Panchayat system and reinstated multi-party democracy in the country.