KATHMANDU, Dec 30: Accusing the Maoist-led government of politicizing Pashupatinath Temple and violating process and traditions while appointing Nepali priests, Bhandaris and devotees on Tuesday staged a sit-in protest in front of the temple. They demanded that the government stop politicizing the national deity and follow the centuries old traditions even if it wanted to appoint Nepali priests replacing Indian nationals, Bhattas.
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“At least the process of selection should be transparent,” said Shankar Man Rajbhandari, a member of the Bhandari family, who are regarded as associates of the Bhattas. The Bhandaris have also threatened to bar the new appointees from taking charge of the priests in the temple.
Pashupati Area Development Trust on Sunday had appointed Dr. Bidhnu Prasad Dahal of Nuwakot as priest in north face of the temple and Saligram Dhakal of Sindhupalchowk as priest of Basuki Nath.
