Prachanda reinstates Indian priests

Kathmandu, Jan 7 (ANI): Nepalese Prime Minister Prachanda has temporarily reinstated a group of sacked Indian priests to offer worship at the Pashupati Temple.

Prachanda late on Wednesday told the National Assembly that he had ordered officials "to manage normal worship at the temple by the same Indian priests for the time being."

Daily worship and religious functions at the centuries-old temple have been disrupted since last week amidst some priests protesting over the replacement of Indian priests with Nepali national.

Hindu organisations here have been protesting against the removal of the priests.

In New Delhi, protestors also accused the Nepalese Government of hurting Hindu sentiments by appointing Nepalese national as priest at the ancient temple.

For centuries the chief priest of the Pashupatinath Temple was appointed by temple authorities with approval of the king of Nepal from high caste Hindus from neighbouring India.Meanwhile, the Supreme Court had asked the government and the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) not to let the newly appointed Nepali priests offer worship at the temple till the Supreme Court issues its final verdict on the case.

The government had earlier said they defended their decision to appoint new priests at the temple. Prachanda said that he would abide by the interim order delivered by apex court. (ANI)