Pashupatinath temple now a prohibited area

The Pashupatinath temple and its surroundings area were on Monday declared prohibited areas following violence and mounting public anger over the Maoists’ forced entry into the premises. Rallies, demonstrations and press conferences have been banned there.

The Pashupatinath Area Development Trust, that manages the shrine, made the announcement after fresh violence erupted in the area with angry locals and students protesting against the Maoist government’s decision to remove Indian priests and appoint Nepali successors. Protesters blocked part of the way leading to the temple.

They burnt tyres and pelted stones at vehicles. Several cars were damaged. The protests erupted over an attack, allegedly by Maoists, on temple staffers inside the shrine on Sunday.