India slams attack on Indian priests in Nepal

On Friday, two Indian priests, Girish Bhatt and Raghavendra Bhatt from Karnataka, were stripped and attacked physically and verbally inside the famous Pashupatinath Temple, allegedly by Maoists.

And now its repercussions are being felt in New Delhi.

The Indian government has hit out against the attack and reminded Nepal of its responsibility in ensuring the safety of Indian citizens abroad.

While the Indian Ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood met with the government in Kathmandu, the MEA issued a statement in New Delhi saying the attacks have "caused deep anguish and serious concern in India. India strongly believes the unprovoked and criminal act goes against the grain of civilisational ties."

"Why should they appoint priests against the country's culture and tradition? They should be removed soon. We demand that they shouldn't mess with the rituals of the world famous temple. We appeal that it should be stopped soon or else we will continue to disrupt vehicular traffic," said Rishi Prasad Sharma, coordinator of the struggle committee in Nepal.

Keeping with a temple tradition of employing priest mainly from South India the two were appointed only this month by the Communist-led government's Prime Minister Madhav Nepal.

The previous Maoist government had decided to scrap the tradition.

"It is an issue related to Hindu culture and values. Therefore we urge people to not politicise the issue. I especially urge the Maoist party to not politicise the issue," said Minendra Rijal, Nepal Minister for Culture.

Now they have approached the Indian authorities in mortal fear, urging temple authorities to send them back to India immediately and provide them security till the airport. India registered a protest in Kathmandu and was told one of the attackers has been arrested and action will be taken.

Last year the Maoist-led government had sacked three South Indian priests serving at the temple and replaced them with Nepali Brahmins. But it was forced to revoke the decision following mounting pressure.