Ramtapeshwor Das Baishnab, the Mahantha (priest) of Janaki Temple, has warned of closing all temples in Janakpur, including Janaki Dham, if the government fails to revise the proposed Guthi Bill.

In a press meet in Janakpur, Baishnab said that the Guthi Bill is an attempt to enslave the priests of all Hindu temples. According to him, the bill highlights the government’s intention to exploit ancient Hindu religion and culture.

“The government, through this proposed bill and the commission, is trying to grab lands that belong to various temples. They intend to bypass the Mahanthas,” he said.

The government has tabled the Guthi Bill in Parliament. The bill proposes transferring guthi land to private ownership, and converting private guthis into public ones.

Lawmakers of Province 3 have also protested against the Guthi bill. They have put forth their demands to the federal government for the revision of the bill.

The Guthi practice was developed as a cooperative system with responsibilities to fulfil religious customs, uphold social roles and contribute to public service.