New Delhi: Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan, President of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (Registered), the umbrella body of Indian Muslim organizations and eminent personalities, has fully endorsed the Buddhist community’s long-standing demand for complete control over the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya.
Dr. Khan stated that Buddhists worldwide revere the Mahabodhi Temple as the sacred site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment in 500 BCE. However, an unusual law passed in independent India in 1949 places the temple under a management committee comprising four Hindus and four Buddhists, with the District Magistrate of Gaya as its chairman. The law mandates that this magistrate must be a Hindu, or if not, their Hindu deputy will assume the role. This effectively ensures non-Buddhist dominance over the temple’s administration, despite it being the holiest Buddhist site.
In response to this ongoing issue, the Buddhist community has intensified its agitation since February, organizing nationwide protest rallies. Since February 12, hundreds of Buddhists have been on a hunger strike in Bodh Gaya, demanding control over the temple. A major rally was also held in Bodh Gaya on March 18-19, further amplifying the call for justice. Additionally, the Buddhist community filed a case in the Supreme Court in 2012, but a verdict has yet to be delivered.
Dr. Khan reaffirmed Mushawarat’s solidarity with the Buddhist community, strongly supporting their demand that the Mahabodhi Temple be fully handed over to them without further delay.
COMMENTS