Hindu priests in a district of western Nepal have stopped performing religious rituals in protest against a three-month jail term to their colleague for refusing to the cater to two dalit worshippers.
A court in the Dailekh district of the Himalayan country slapped priest Deepak Upadhyaya with a three-month jail term and Rs 1,000 in penalty for refusing to tie 'auspicious threads' on the arms of two men from lower casts.
A case was registered against Upadhyaya by the two men, who demanded action against the priest.
The priests, who have gone on a virtual strike on a call given by 'Panchakoshi Vaidic Sanatan Dharma Seva', a body of priests, said they would not tolerate interference in their methods of performing Hindu rituals, officials said.
The agitation has resulted in inconveniences to daily worshippers at various temples, they said.
Chief District Administrator of Dailekh district Baldev Gautam, however, said the government would take action against anybody who breaches the law.
He said it was necessary to take action against those involved in discrimination based on the caste system.
{{/usCountry}}He said it was necessary to take action against those involved in discrimination based on the caste system.
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