KATHMANDU: Supporters of the UCPN-Maoist at the famous Indra Jatra Festival today greeted Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav and dozen other high-ranking government officials with black flags.

Amidst tight security, PM Nepal and President Yadav arrived at the Basantapur square for observing the chariot pulling of the Living Goddess Kumari at half-past-four when they were welcomed with black flags. Thousands of devotees were present on the occasion.

The cadres of Newa National Liberation Front, affiliated with the UCPN-Maoist, shouted slogans against the duo urging them to resign as soon they arrived at the venue.

The protesters, in particular, demanded what they called a resolution motion in the parliament against the President. They also shouted slogans against Indian envoy Rakesh Sood. Minister for Culture Dr Minendra Rijal, Minister for Energy Bal Krishna Khand, parliamentary members, high ranking government officials and ambassadors from various diplomatic missions in Kathmandu were assembled on the occasion to grace the event.

The protesters also urged the onlookers and devotees around to boycott the President and celebrate the festival.

"President and defeated PM, resign from the posts!” they shouted and rained pamphlets all over. However, devotees and passersby looked unperturbed by their call to boycott and continued to celebrate.

Nani Mainya Maharjan of Ason, a devotee present at the scene said, "We care about our culture not the politics.” She added, “Moreover, protesters are Maoists not the Newars.”

In view of the potentially chaotic situation unfolding following the protests, the organisers delayed the pulling of the chariot.

“The event was scheduled at 4:30 pm but was delayed as the President arrived late due to a tense situation,” said Nabin Joshi, member of the festival organising committee.

People surged forward and backward to have a glimpse of the Living Goddess Kumari as soon as she was brought in from the temple at 5 pm.

After the goddess Kumari descended on the main of the three chariots, the pulling of the chariot began, followed by an elaborate ritual and performances.

As tradition goes, President, PM, Ministers and diplomatic dignitaries were given the first priority to have a glance of Kumari. By then the clock had struck 5:25.

President and PM offered flowers to Kumari and the chariot continued to move forward.

The protesters meanwhile, left the venue shouting slogans and waving black flags against the dignitaries.

Indra Jatra, a festival of supreme importance in Newari society, which began on Tuesday will end on September 8. The main day of the Indra Jatra falls today which will be followed by chariot pulling of Kumari.

Meanwhile, at least three security personnel were

injured at the Indra Jatra while trying to stop the protesters. The police cordoning the area in the wake of the protest, rounded up seven protesters from

Basantapur.

The injured policemen were rushed to the Bir Hospital. Condition of one of the policemen who was injured in the melee was reported to be critical, according to the police.