Four blasts took place inside the Mahabodhi Temple complex, three occurred in Karmapa monastery, one each near the famous 80-ft Buddha statue and at the bus stand near bypass. But no damage was done either to the Bodhi tree under which Mahatma Buddha had received enlightenment or to the statue of Buddha.
Investigation into this terrorist attack is going on. We are told that months ago the central intelligence agencies had cautioned Bihar Government of possible attacks on the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. This has given handle to opposition to bring accusation of negligence against the State and Central Governments. Lalu Prasad Yadav has squarely held Nitish Government in Bihar responsible for the blasts to happen because it took no steps to forestall any misadventure by the militants. So far no terrorist outfit has claimed responsibility for the series of blasts.
The question is why did not the State Government take strong preventive measures against any attempt by the terrorists to strike at the Buddhist shrine. Central security authorities had claimed of foiling a fidayeen attack on Mahabodhi Temple last year. Moreover the input obtained after investigating into the Pune blast also indicated that Indian Mujahideen (IM) could become active and try to strike at religious places. With all this information available to Bihar police, it is difficult to understand why the State Government and especially the police force did not take preventive measures? Why after being alerted, the Bihar police did not take up security of the internal temple complex also in its hands? It is clearly a lapse on the part of the State Government. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has demanded that CISF be deployed for the security of the Mahabodhi Temple. He could have done it immediately after he had been cautioned about a possible attack. This is not the first case in the country when despite advance warning by security authorities State or Central authorities have not acted and taken measures to prevent terrorist attacks. The present serial blasts case in Bodh Gaya should be a clear warning to all the State Governments that they have to beef up security arrangements and ensure safety and security of religious, industrial, commercial, public, transport, communication and other vital centres. It is yet too premature to bring the onus of Bodh Gaya blasts to any particular individuals or organizations because investigation is going on. How much time will the investigation take nobody can say. The indication from the blasts is that terrorist outfits are very much active in the country and definitely the serial blasts in Bodh Gaya are a message they are giving to the civil society and the Government that they are working for a larger agenda, which can reach beyond the borders of the country. We cannot, therefore, rule out external connections of terror. At the same time, the attack further reinforces the need for not lowering the guard against terrorism in this country. The terrorists are active and ready to strike wherever they find vulnerability. It has also to be noted that no generalizations need to be made about terrorist network in the country. Vast majority of people in our country are peace loving and want peaceful co-existence among people of all faiths. Attacks by a few misguided persons on religious places should not provoke retaliatory action because it is not a mass movement against the Government or the social order. A handful of people is selected for indoctrination and is infused with false propaganda to help them make up their minds to carry out terrorist activities. The Indian State is capable of controlling these elements and many steps have already been taken to secure the nation against terrorist attacks. We need to strengthen our anti-terrorist strategy and plans.
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