New Delhi, July 7, 2013: President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday condemned the serial blasts at Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya as a senseless act of violence to target innocent pilgrims.

Expressing deep anguish over the blasts, he said it was a “senseless act of violence targeting innocent pilgrims and monks who had gathered to worship at this temple dedicated to the great apostle of peace - Gautam Buddha“.

In a statement, the President hoped for the speedy recovery of those injured in the blasts.

Asking people to maintain calm and restraint, he asked them to cooperate with the authorities in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Nine serial explosions rocked the internationally renowned temple town of Bodh Gaya, including four in the Mahabodhi Temple complex, injuring two monks in the blasts.

The Mahabodhi Temple is frequented by Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka, China and Japan and the whole of southeast Asia.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama makes frequent trips to Bodh Gaya and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa had visited it six months back. A total of 52 countries have established their monasteries here.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 7, 2013.