Blasts hit Mahabodhi site, but shrine is safe

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Terror stamped its gruesome feet on the world-famous Mahabodhi temple complex in Bihar’s bustling pilgrim town of Bodh Gaya early on Sunday morning with nine low-intensity serial blasts at the site, leaving two foreign monks injured and sparking panic in the area and across Bihar.
The coordinated blasts, which began at around 5.15 am, failed to damage the 7th-century temple structure and the fabled Bodhi tree, under which Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. But the attack delivered a huge blow to Bihar’s image internationally, particularly as the blasts followed the arrests of several terror suspects from the state in recent months.
Both President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh strongly condemned the blasts, saying such attacks on religious sites will “never be tolerated”. Hours after the multiple blasts, the Centre directed all state governments to ensure foolproof security at all Buddhist shrines and Tibetan settlements given the continuing violence between Rohingya Muslims and Buddhists in neighbouring Burma.
It is believed that the blasts were an act of revenge for alleged atrocities on the Rohingyas in Burma. While no group has so far claimed responsibility for the blasts, the hand of the Indian Mujahideen is suspected.
In an advisory to all states, with special emphasis on cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune, the MHA said adequate security must be provided to Buddhist shrines, Buddhist places of worship and Tibetan settlements. Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse also condemned the attack. “It is with deep sadness that I condemn the explosions within the hallowed precincts of the most venerated and sacred Bodh Gaya shrine in Bihar in India,” Mr Rajapakse said. The Sri Lankan government also advised its n Turn to Page 3