Mussoorie, Jan. 11 -- Temple priests have strongly opposed the state government's decision to begin the upcoming 12-yearly Nanda Raj Jat Yatra from Nauti village instead of Kurud village in Chamoli district, which they describe as the traditional and original home of Goddess Nanda Devi. The priests under the banner of the "Kurud Nanda Badi Jaat Yatra Organising Committee" have warned the administration that if their demand is not accepted, they will organise the pilgrimage independently and not support the state-sponsored yatra. Nauti village, from where the government plans to flag off the yatra this year, is located around 45 km away. Addressing a press conference in Dehradun on Saturday, Prakash Gaur, president of the Siddhapeeth Nanda Devi Mandir Samiti, Kurud, said, "We strongly oppose the state government's decision to organise the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra from Nauti instead of Kurud. If our demand is not met, we will organise our own pilgrimage, the 'Badi Nandajat Yatra', strictly as per ancient traditions," Gaur said. htc...