Kathmandu: Hundreds of locals protesting the recent Maoists attack on the Bhandaris of Nepal s most revered Hindu temple today blocked traffic and damaged three vehicles at the Pashupatinath area here.

Agitators blocked the road at Jaybageshwori for an hour by burning motor tyres and blocking roads. They also stoned the vehicles who defied the ban, damaging three of them, according to eye-witnesses. No one was hurt in the incident.

The transport strike was called against yesterday's attack by around 100 Young Communist League cadres on the Pashupatinath Temple caretakers, who were protesting the appointment of local priests in place of Indians, injuring 10 people.

Local Bhandaris, entrusted with arranging materials for prayers and protecting valuable assets of the temple for centuries, have formed a 32-member struggle committee to oppose the Maoist government's intrusion in the temple s affairs.

The committee said it will continue the agitation until the government honours the Supreme Court's order of reinstating the Indian priests.
Source : PTI