KATHMANDU: CPN-UML senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal has condemned the act of United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) cadres of 'purifying' the Janaki Temple in Janakpur, Dhanusa claiming the visit of President Bidya Devi Bhandari 'polluted' the site.

Speaking at the fifth central meeting of Press Chautari Nepal in the Capital today, Nepal termed the act of UDMF cadres a 'continuity of feudal culture'.

Reports had claimed that the UDMF cadres 'purified' the Temple premises by sprinkling water from the Ganga River citing the shrine was polluted by the visit of Bhandari, a widow.

Amid protests by the UDMF cadres, Bhandari on Wednesday had visited the Temple to observe the Vivaha Panchami Mahotsav.

Nepal said that he was saddened by such defamatory act and that this incident defamed not only a single woman, but also insulted women across the globe.

In a different context, UML leader Nepal said that his party played the most important role in promulgating the new Constitution.

Meanwhile, the Press Chautari Nepal this year has awarded the Hridyaysingh Memorial Journalism Award carrying a purse of Rs 15,000 to noted journalist Tirtha Koirala and Agnisikha Memorial Journalism Award to journalist Govinda Pokhrel. The award carries a purse of Rs 15,000.

Similarly, journalist Chhetu Sherpa was honoured with the Birendra Sah Memorial Journalism Award while the Dekendra Thapa Memorial Journalism Award was conferred on journalist Ishwari GM on the occasion. Both awards carry a purse of Rs 7,500 each.