Maoists' attack on Indian priests condemned

“Priests Girisha Bhatta and Raghavendra Bhatta who were assaulted on Friday, are from our State. The chief priests of Pashupathinatha Temple Mahabaleshwara Bayari and Ganesh Bhat are the disciples of Balekudru Mutt. We offer our complete support and appeal for their protection,” he said.

“The attack was on the priests who were on a ‘vratha’. This is objectionable. Indian priests are conducting rituals at Nepal temples from time immemorial. The government should assure them proper protection,” he urged.