Gangtok: A significant peace rally unfolded in Gangtok today, as the Sikkim Chapter of the All India Buddhist Forum took to the streets. Their unified voice echoed a nationwide call for the repeal of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Act of 1949.
The core demand of the demonstration centered on the complete handover of the administrative responsibilities of the revered Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara, situated in Bodhgaya, Bihar, directly to the Buddhist community within India.
This mobilization in Sikkim stands in solidarity with the persistent protests already underway in Bodhgaya. For over two months, monks and dedicated activists have been engaged in a continuous dharna, passionately advocating for the exclusive stewardship of the sacred site by Buddhist adherents.
The peaceful march in Gangtok underscored the critical importance of respecting the deeply held religious beliefs of Buddhists. Participants stressed the necessity of granting them the rightful authority to manage one of the most venerated shrines in the Buddhist world.
The organizers of the Gangtok rally firmly stated that their movement is driven by a commitment to preserving the sanctity and rich cultural heritage of the Mahabodhi Temple. They earnestly appealed to the government to acknowledge and act upon the long-standing aspirations of the Buddhist community.
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