Maoists withdraw Pashupati stir,to hold 8216;peaceful protests8217;

The Maoist-affiliated Priest Appointment Joint Struggle Committee PAJSC has withdrawn the agitation at the temple premises from yesterday citing 8220;inconvenience caused to devotees,8221; officials of the Pashupati Area Development Trust,which manages the affairs of the 5th century shrine,said.

The committee,however,said 8220;peaceful protests8221; will be held after deliberation on the issue within it.

It said the stir would continue till its members,who were arrested during the protest,are released.

The attack on the two priests 8212; Raghavendra Bhatta and Girish Bhatta 8212; provoked all-round outrage with both Indian and Nepal government slamming it. Major political parties,including the Terai-based Madhesi outfits,have also deplored the incident.