Nepal will ensure security for Indian priests: Rao

Shirish B. Pradhan

Kathmandu, Sep 15 (PTI) Nepal will take all necessary
measures to ensure security for Indian priests at the famous
Pashupatinath Temple, who were assaulted by the Maoists'
protesting against their appointment, Indian Foreign Secretary
Nirupama Rao said Tuesday.

The Indian Foreign Secretary, who is on a two-day
visit to Kathmandu, said the Nepal government has assured that
all measures would be taken to ensure the security of the
Indian priests, who were attacked a forthnight ago.

Religious and cultural ties have drawn people of India
and Nepal together since time immemorial and the
politicisation of this issue would be regrettable and would
not be conducive to the atmosphere of good relations, said
Rao, who offered prayers at the holy shrine today and met
officials of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT).

"The government of Nepal has conveyed its regret over
the recent unfortunate incident and they have also assured
that all measures would be taken to ensure the security and
well being of the Indian priests and continuation of regular
prayers at the revered temple," she told journalists here.

The people with whom I have met conveyed their regret
at the recent incident involving the unprovoked attack on
Indian priests, she said.

The Indian diplomat, however, did not meet the priests
as the temple was closed for regular cleaning after morning
worship. (MORE) PTI SBP
SDE


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