Protests as Indian priests start at Nepal temple
09/05/2009 | 08:33 PM
KATMANDU, Nepal — Hundreds of riot police were deployed to guard two newly appointed Indian priests after they were dragged from Nepal's most revered Hindu temple and beaten by protesters who say the job should be done by Nepalese.
"We don't want foreigners!" shouted hundreds of protesters who gathered Saturday behind a line of police, about 100 yards (meters) from the Pashupatinath temple. "Protect our culture!"
The top priests at the temple in Katmandu traditionally have come from India, but Nepal has seen a movement since the centuries-old monarchy was abolished last year to change old ways of thinking, even in religion. In the past, the kings protected the country's temples.
Police dramatically tightened security Saturday after protesters dragged the priests from the main temple into the courtyard and beat them Friday, taking the officers guarding the temple by surprise. The priests did not suffer visible injury.
On Saturday, police blocked all roads leading to the temple, turning away thousands of devotees who wanted to offer their prayers. Katmandu's police chief, Navraj Silwal, told reporters the temple area was cordoned off to prevent possible violence. Twelve protesters were detained.
In New Delhi, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said Friday's attack has caused deep anguish. In a statement, he said Nepal's highest levels of government have assured Indian officials they are taking steps to ensure the priests' safety and resolve the problem.
Reporters were allowed into the temple Saturday to watch the orange-robed priests, flanked by helmeted police, go through the rituals necessary for their first day on the job. They did not speak to reporters.
Nepal Culture Minister Minendra Risal visited the temple and assured the priests the attackers would be found and punished.
Pashupatinath is visited by millions of pilgrims from Nepal and India every year. -AP
"We don't want foreigners!" shouted hundreds of protesters who gathered Saturday behind a line of police, about 100 yards (meters) from the Pashupatinath temple. "Protect our culture!"
The top priests at the temple in Katmandu traditionally have come from India, but Nepal has seen a movement since the centuries-old monarchy was abolished last year to change old ways of thinking, even in religion. In the past, the kings protected the country's temples.
Police dramatically tightened security Saturday after protesters dragged the priests from the main temple into the courtyard and beat them Friday, taking the officers guarding the temple by surprise. The priests did not suffer visible injury.
On Saturday, police blocked all roads leading to the temple, turning away thousands of devotees who wanted to offer their prayers. Katmandu's police chief, Navraj Silwal, told reporters the temple area was cordoned off to prevent possible violence. Twelve protesters were detained.
In New Delhi, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said Friday's attack has caused deep anguish. In a statement, he said Nepal's highest levels of government have assured Indian officials they are taking steps to ensure the priests' safety and resolve the problem.
Reporters were allowed into the temple Saturday to watch the orange-robed priests, flanked by helmeted police, go through the rituals necessary for their first day on the job. They did not speak to reporters.
Nepal Culture Minister Minendra Risal visited the temple and assured the priests the attackers would be found and punished.
Pashupatinath is visited by millions of pilgrims from Nepal and India every year. -AP
