NEW DELHI: Thousands of Buddhists marched to the Boat Clubhere on Oct, 15, demanding “liberation” of the Buddhist sacred place. Boda Gaya Mahabodhi Vihara in Bihar, from the illegal occupation of some Hindu militants. Earlier they assembled to receive the “Jyoti,” a flame symbolizing the fight for liberation, which was carried by a group of Buddhists who began their journey from Daddaron September 27.
The jyoti will now resume its onward journey to the Buddhists religious place in Gaya district of Bihar where it is scheduled to reach on October 22. The protesters, carving banners and placards, said Bodh Gaya was held in high esteem by followers since Lord Budha achived enlightenment at this place. They alleged that the religious place was being controlled and defiled by some militants who had nothing to do with their religion.
Later addressing the protesters, Bhudant Arya NagarjunSurai Susai, President of the All India Action Committee of Bodh Gaya hahabodhi Vihara alleged that “unauthorized possession of the religious place has hurt the sentiments of Buddhists.” He urged the Government to pass an ordinance to pave the way for handing over the religious place to the Buddhists.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 30, 1992
