Priest attack: Nepal PM assures action

Nepal Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Saturday said his government will take stern action against those involved in the attack on Indian priests at the holy Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu.

Nepal Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Saturday said his government will take stern action against those involved in the attack on Indian priests at the holy Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu.

HT Image

Condemning yesterday's incident that has also evoked a strong response from India, Nepal assured that the culprits will be brought to book, Prime Minister's press advisor Bishnu Rijal said.

Meanwhile, police arrested about three dozen people for their suspected involvement in the attack in which two Indian priests were severely thrashed by Maoist activists protesting their appointment.

However, they were released after interrogation.

The temple area remained tense today as clashes occurred between agitating Maoist cadres and the police at different places.

However, the situation returned to normal towards the evening and the temple authorities opened the shrine for the public after 6 pm, said Sushil Nahata, PADT member secretary.

We have got information that the Maoists are planning to take out a rally at Pashupati tomorrow morning and might also storm the temple, Nahata said.