KATHMANDU: The UCPN-Maoist-aligned Priest Appointment Joint Struggle Committee (PAJSC) today unlocked the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT). The committee padlocked it on August 30, protesting the government's decision to appoint two Indian priests in Pashupatinath Temple. The daily functioning of the Secretariat, Planning Division, Trust Office, General Department, Physical Construction Section, Resource Mobilisation Unit, Amalkot Kachahari and Revenue Collection Centre had come to halt for 16 days following the padlock. In a press meet, the PAJSC today announced the withdrawal of their strike. The PAJSC members broke open the padlock at the main entrance of PADT. While, the keys of other departments were handed over to the officials urging them to open the offices. Paramananda Shakya, associate coordinator of PAJSC claimed that they had unlocked the padlocks at the request of general public and office employees, until a further notice. Meanwhile, PAJSC's coordinator, Dr Rishi Prasad Sharma said, "We haven't called off the protest. It is a temporary truce to ease the devotees' access to the temple and clear the way for PADT officials to pay salary and festive bonus to its employees." “We will only let the PADT function till the Chhath festival followed by Dashain and Tihar,” he added. Shakya said that they would continue with signature and public awareness campaign to win the hearts of the people throughout the country over their demands. Meanwhile, PADT officials said the PAJSC took the decision due to a mounting public anger. "Had they not unlocked the padlocks, we would have done on our own," said Sushil Nahata, member secretary of PADT. More than 400 employees at PADT were worried about their salary and Dashain bonuses following the padlock that led to a sharp decline in revenue collection. They demand that the priests be appointed through open contest irrespective of their nationality.

Rao visits the temple

KATHMANDU: Visiting Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao today visited the Pashupatinath Temple and paid obeisance to the guardian diety of Hindus. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood was also present on the occasion. Security was beefed up during the visit to prevent any untoward incidences. Briefly speaking to mediapersons, Rao informed that it was her private visit to the temple and had nothing to do at the Indian government level. — HNS