KATHMANDU: Tension ran high at the Pashupatinath Temple throughout the day today following the breakdown of talks between the Pashupati Area Development Trust officials and representatives of the UCPN-Maoist-aligned Priest Appointment Joint Struggle Committee (PAJST).

Security personnel were mobilised in large numbers in and around the shrine. UCPN-Maoist cadres and former executive members of the PADT have been cut up with the Trust for the latter's alleged decision to appoint two Indian priests in the Pashupatinath Temple. PADT officials, however, have denied making any such bid.

Yesterday, the PAJST members had padlocked all departments of the Trust, bringing the daily functioning of the shrine's official activities to a standstill.

Inspector Santosh Tamang said no order had been given to break open the locks. "Our main focus is to maintain law and order at the shrine," he added. Sushil Nahata, member secretary, PADT, said plans were afoot to approach the Ministry of Culture to resolve the dispute. "We're not empowered to address their demands. Besides, the Priest Appointment Regulations' case is still pending in the Supreme Court. We're ready to abide by the apex court's order," he said. Dr Rishi Prasad Sharma, coordinator, PAJST, accused PADT officials of trying to demoralise the Nepali priests. Narottam Baidhya, treasurer, PADT, said that the differences would be ironed out soon. He said that the talks would be held tomorrow too.

Meanwhile, a PADT delegation met the ministry officials for further consultations. The Ministry has urged the PM, who is the patron of the PADT Council, to appoint two Indian priests - Girish Bhatta and Raghavendra Bhatta - despite the mounting pressure from the PAJST members. Two posts have been lying vacant in the shrine for the past few months. Girish Bhatta's name has been suggested for the Uttar Muhar Temple and Raghavendra's for Basukinath Temple.