Maoists protest Indian priests in Hindu temple

Newly appointed priests Girish Bhatt and Raghavendra Bhatt (in red), from India are escorted by security personnel while taking part in a ritual procession on the premises of Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu September 5, 2009.

KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Two Indian priests began work on Saturday in one of the holiest Hindu shrines in Kathmandu, a day after they were beaten up by Maoists demanding important religious jobs be given to Nepalis.

The two high-caste Brahmins from Karnataka began conducting rituals at the centuries-old Pashupatinath Temple, even as Maoist activists burnt tyres on roads, bringing traffic to a halt on several Kathmandu streets.

On Friday, some former Maoist rebels entered the temple as the priests, chosen by the government, were performing a purification ceremony prior to assuming their roles.

"It was a deplorable attack by the Maoists," Culture Minister Minendra Rijal said.

"We appeal to all to be calm and cooperate with the government in maintaining harmony."

For centuries, the priests of the Pashupatinath Temple were picked by shrine authorities from among high-caste Hindus in neighbouring India, with the consent of the king of Nepal.

Since Nepal abolished the monarchy and became a republic last year, the government has taken over the task.