Khotang, September 1

A dispute has erupted between Haleshi Tuwachung Municipality and Khotang District Administration Office over the formation of Haleshi Temple Management Committee in Khotang.

According to the municipality, though the municipality executive had recommended names of the committee members unanimously and them to the District Administration Office and Land Revenue Office, Guthi Sansthan had changed the names of committee members.

Mayor Iwan Rai said the names of committee members were changed by Guthi Sansthan in line with the District Administration Office’s diktat.

According to Rai, Harkaraj Rai and Bhupendra Rai were recommended for chair and vice-chair while Kamal Giri and Dilipraj Giri were nominated as secretary and joint secretary. Other nominated members are Ramita Basnet as treasurer; and Saurabh Giri, Yagyaraj Giri and Rajesh Pariyar as members.

Mayor Rai, however, said Guthi Sansthan had changed the names as per the direction of Haleshi Temple Management Committee chief and Chief District Officer Surendraraj Poudel.

The letter sent by the DAO to the municipality has retained Harkaraj Rai as chair and changed other officials and members. According to the letter, Lankaser Rai is vice-chair, Khilal Rai secretary and Ramila Basnet treasurer.

Bhupendra Rai, Mangal Pariyar, Yagyaraj Rai, Prakash Chandra Giri and Tham Bahadur Rai are members. Guthi Sansthan has approved new committee in line with the suggestion from the District Administration Office and sent it to the Land Revenue Office.

After its decision was overturned, the municipality has decided not to allow the new management committee to carry out its functions.