Bihar Chief calls for stepping up security after blasts at Mahabodhi temple

Monday, 8 July 2013 00:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

BODH GAYA, BIHAR, INDIA (Reuters): Chief of India’s eastern Bihar state, Nitish Kumar said that security will be stepped up after a series of explosions rocked in and around Buddhism’s holiest shrine and adds that stringent punishment will be awarded to the culprits. A series of explosions in and around Buddhism’s holiest shrine in Bihar injured two persons early on Sunday (7 July), in what the government described as a “terror” attack. Kumar said that they would ask the federal government to let the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) take care of the security of Mahabodhi temple.

“After today’s incident the security will be strengthened and I would appeal to the federal government that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) should take the responsibility of security of the temple as amongst all the installations related to security it is most effective,” Kumar. The explosions, which occurred between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m., injured two persons. Four blasts occurred inside the Mahabodhi Temple premises; three blasts at Tergar monastery and another near the famous 80-foot Buddha statue. Most of the monks were busy in their morning prayers, when the loud sound of explosions broke their trance. According to an eyewitness, two monks, one from Myanmar and another visiting Tibetan monk were injured in the blasts. Police officials were conducting a search of the temple in case of any more live device. Kumar also said that all of us together along with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the state police will find out whoever is involved in this crime. “All the necessary investigations related to this blast will take place and all of us together along with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and our state police will surely find out whoever is involved in this heinous crime and will award stringent punishment,” he added. The Mahabodhi Temple complex is located in Bodh Gaya, the place where the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment.