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Kathmandu protests called off following a pact

Protesters have called off their three-day-long Kathmandu protests, Sunday night, after the government agreed not to interfere in cultural activities and form a commission to study religious traditions.

The talks between protesters and Minister for Finance were held, Sunday night, which ended with a 10-point understanding.

The government has agreed to scale up expenditures for traditions, carry out repair and renovation of temples, consult with stakeholders when making any decision on traditions and bear the expense of treating the people injured during the last three days of rioting.

The row had started Friday night after the local people of Newar community became enraged over the Ministry of Finance's circular about cutting down expenditure on traditions, which obstructed the ongoing Kumari Jatra.

Angry protesters took to streets on Saturday and Sunday as well demanding an apology from Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai.

Dr. Bhattarai, Sunday, said the government has already corrected the earlier circular and said it was not the government's intention to hurt sentiments of any community.

Due to protests the regular festivities of Indra Jatra had been obstructed. nepalnews.com sd Sep 22 08