Lumbini, Aug. 1 -- Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha and a global symbol of peace and compassion, is now steeped in agitation and unrest.

Once a tranquil haven for pilgrims, tourists and devotees seeking spiritual solace, the atmosphere of Lumbini has turned tense as employees of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) and resident monks have submitted memorandums to authorities to address their long-standing grievances and administrative neglect.

Trust employees have been agitating over the past three days. They have padlocked the main gate of the LDT's headquarters and various departments, staging sit-ins beneath the mango tree in front of the headquarters from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Administrative work has come to a halt due to the ...