The Buddhist community and various affiliated organisations observed a one-day hunger strike and sit-in protest outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Jalandhar on Friday, demanding the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Act. The demonstration was organised under the banner of the Bodh Gaya Mahavihara Liberation Movement and lasted for five hours, from 10 am to 3 pm.
Protesters submit memorandum to DC office
During the protest, Buddhist leaders, monks and intellectuals submitted a memorandum to the general assistant of the Deputy Commissioner. They called upon the Government of India and the Government of Bihar to hand over complete control of the Bodh Gaya Buddha Mahavihara exclusively to Buddhists. The Bodh Gaya Act, enacted in 1949, currently governs the management of the Mahavihara, allowing a committee with representation from both Hindu and Buddhist communities. The protesters argue that this arrangement dilutes Buddhist authority over the site, which is one of the holiest in Buddhism.
Additional demands include Buddha Purnima holiday
Through the memorandum, the Buddhist community also urged the Punjab government to declare Buddha Purnima a gazetted holiday and to provide representation for Buddhists in the Minority Commission. Currently, Buddha Purnima is a restricted holiday in Punjab, and Buddhists seek full recognition. The demand for representation in the Minority Commission aims to ensure that Buddhist concerns are addressed in state-level policy decisions.
Key participants and supporters
Several prominent figures attended the protest, including Bhikshu Chandra Kirti, Bhikshu Pragya Prabhakar, advocate Harbhajan Sampla, professor Balvir, Chanchal Baudh, Husan Lal Baudh, Gurmeet Sampla, Lahimbar Bangar, Prashottam Dadra, Lal Chand Sampla, Chaman Sampla, Hem Raj Rattu, Manjit Singh, Nirmal Binji, Rajinder Kumar Jassal, principal Paramjit Jassal, Dr Satpal, Husan Lal of Phoolpur Dhanal, and other Buddhist devotees. The presence of monks and intellectuals underscored the community's unified stance on the issue.
The protest reflects growing discontent among Buddhists over the governance of Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. The Bodh Gaya Act has been a point of contention for decades, with Buddhist groups regularly demanding its repeal to secure full control over the temple's affairs.
