Kathmandu, Sep 5 : Nepal Cultural Minister Minindra Rijal on Saturday expressed regret at the Maoists attack on two Indian priests at the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu and assured adequate security to them.

“This is very sad and most regrettable to attack Indian priests inside the holy temple which is the centre of faith for millions of Hindus across the world,” Rijal said.

Earlier on Friday, a mob of 40 to 50 Maoists entered the temple posing as devotees and tore clothes and sacred threads of two priests, Girish Bhatta and Raghavendra Bhatta. They were brutally thrashed as well.

The Minister also said that police has arrested about two dozen people for alleged involvement in the incident.

Rijal further apologised for the inconvenience caused to the devotees, said that adequate security would be provided to them to prevent a repeat of the incident. (ANI)