Nepal `regrets` attack on Indian priests by Maoists

Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Sep 5 (PTI) Nepal Saturday "regretted" the
Maoists attack on two newly-appointed Indian priests at the
famous Pashupatinath temple here and assured protection to
them as police arrested about two dozen people, including the
leader of the group that beat up the pujaris.

"This is very sad and most regrettable to attack Indian
priests inside the holy temple which is the centre of faith
for millions of Hindus across the world," Nepal's Cultural
Minister Minindra Rijal said.

His remarks came a day after the priests Girish Bhatta
and Raghavendra Bhatta, both 32, were severely thrashed by
some 40-50 Maoists, who entered the shrine posing as devotees.
The priests' clothes and sacred threads were also torn by the
former rebels.

Minister Rijal also apologised for the inconvenience
caused to the devotees because of Friday's incident at the
fifth century Hindu shrine.

However, the two Indian priests, unfazed by the attack on
them, Saturday performed the daily rituals at temple, where
Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood and Nepal Cultural Minister
Rijal were also present.

Sood assured the priests, who hail from Karnataka, of all
cooperation while the Nepal Minister said that adequate
security would be provided to them to prevent a repeat of
Friday's incident.

One of the priests had suffered a black eye during the
attack. (More) PTI