Nepal 'regrets' attack on priests

The priests were given heavy security protection on Saturday

By Anbarasan Ethirajan
BBC News

Nepal has expressed regret over an attack on Friday on two Indian priests by protesters at one of Nepal's holiest Hindu sites, the Pashupatinath temple.

Culture Minister Minendra Rijal said the priests' attackers would be found and punished.

The protesters are backed by the Maoist party and are demanding the appointment of Nepali priests.

On Saturday the Indian priests, who had been beaten severely, started work at the temple amid tight security.

Moves for change

Flanked by helmeted police, the two priests from southern India went through the rituals necessary for their first day at the temple in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu.

The Maoists continued their protests on Saturday

Police said they cordoned off the area to prevent possible violence.

Prayers at the temple have traditionally been led by high caste Brahmin priests recruited from southern India with the consent of the king of Nepal.

With the abolition of the monarchy last year, there were moves to change the old system. The Maoists want Nepali priests to do the job.

The attack on Indian priests has triggered an immediate response from neighbouring India.

"We are aware that there is a Maoist pressure on the temple authorities there to prevent the Indian priests from conducting the religious ceremonies," Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna said.

"We are in touch with the government of Nepal."

Now the Nepalese authorities say they have taken steps to ensure the safety of the priests and resolve the problem.

They have appealed to the protesters to co-operate with the government in maintaining harmony.

It is obvious that they want to avoid any diplomatic fallout with India because of the incident.

But it is not clear whether the Maoists will listen.