KATHMANDU: Minister for Federal Affairs, Constituent Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs and Culture Dr Minendra Rijal today strongly urged the Maoists to desist from interfering in Pashupatinath row.

In a strongly worded warning, Dr Rijal warned the Maoists of fishing in trouble waters if they continued to play politics in religious affairs.

Speaking at a face-to-face programme organised by Reporters' Club in the capital today, he warned the Maoists of the same fate they would face when they tried to appoint Bhatta at Pashupatinath.

Minister Rijal also said that the process of appointing new Bhattas at the shrine was in final stage. "I urge the Maoists not to politicize the issue, as the Bhattas would be appointed as per the act, policy, rules and tradition."

He also said that the two Indian Bhattas would be appointed at all cost.

"The committee, whose patron is Prime Minister, will appoint the priests," he added.

"Its not the question of cultural colony but the Indian priests are being appointed on the basis of existing laws and tradition," he said, urging the Maoists not to meddle in the affairs of the shrine.