KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 17

Amid tensions between Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Marwadi Sewa Samiti regarding the ownership of Gaushala Dharamshala, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has directed the Pashupati Area Development Trust to halt work on the previous decision involving Gaushala Dharamshala.

The Ministry has also announced that the Pashupati Area Development Trust Board of Directors will meet on Sunday, 6 November 2024, at 9am.

On Wednesday, the Ministry issued a press release directing PADT's member secretary. The Minister of Culture will serve as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, according to legal provisions.

'As it is understood that there has been a problem in the peace and security of the holy area of Pashupatinath in relation to the implementation of the decision of the board of directors of the Pashupati Area Development Trust held on 6 October, 2024, it is directed to suspend all the activities until the next meeting,' reads the ministry letter.

PADT's Board of Directors decided on October 6 to 'coordinate with government agencies to manage the Gaushala Dharamshala.'

On October 8, the PADT reached an agreement with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City to manage Dharamshala. Shortly after, the Kathmandu Metropolis mobilised the city police force in Dharamshala and replaced the Marwadi Seva Samiti board with its own.

However, the Marwadi Seva Samiti has been opposing it. They are protesting with placards at Dharamshala's entrance. The metropolitan police are also attempting to evacuate Dharamshala. On Wednesday, the metropolis also used two dozers to demolish structures in Dharamshala.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has written to the PADT, stating that the incident has jeopardised the peace and security in the Pashupati area.

The Marwadi Sewa Samiti has been running this Dharamshala since the reign of Rana Prime Minister Juddhashamsher in 1940, paying regular taxes to PADT.

On 26 May 2003, PADT and Marwadi Sewa Samiti reached an agreement to provide 50,000 rupees of financial assistance per year.

PADT has terminated that agreement. The Marwadi Samiti challenged it in the Kathmandu District Court. Although the district court ruled that the committee's claim was insufficient, the full text has not yet been made public.

Marwadis argue that an attempt being made to remove the Samiti, which has been running Dharamshala for over 80 years, is being tried to be removed from the premises without the full text.

Previously, KMC Mayor Balendra Shah took to Facebook and said that the Marwadi Sewa Samiti has unlawfully taken control of 9 ropani, 9 anna, and 2 paisa of land under the name of the Gaushala Dharamshala, paying puny amounts over the years.

'The court ruled that their claim was invalid. Thus, PADT must take responsibility. Now, when the KMC attempted to operate the Dharmshala to provide free meals and medical care to the needy, the Nepal Police intervened to protect the committee,' reads his post.