KATHMANDU, March 23 -- At a time when a section of Nepali Congress (NC) leaders are voicing in favor of a referendum on federalism and republic, Dr Shekhar Koirala, a key leader of the party, has said the country cannot backtrack from federalism and republic.

Addressing a function organized by GP Koirala Foundation in the capital on Friday, Dr Koirala said it is the responsibility of the NC to institutionalize the republic and federalism achieved through the sacrifice of hundreds of martyrs. Arguing that politics and religion are two different things, Dr Koirala said that the issues related to religion need to be settled through formulation of necessary laws at the earliest.

Dr Koirala also said that the activism and activities of cerem...