Orissa, July 9, 2013: Security has been beefed up at all important Buddhist sites and structures in Jajpur district of Odisha after the serial blasts at the Mahabodhi temple complex in Bodh Gaya.

Jajpur houses world famous Buddhist complex at Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, Lalitgiri and Buddhist sites at Langudi, Kaima, Tarapur and Deuli in the district. There are many important Buddhist monuments in Radhanagar, Neulpur and Kantigadia in the district.

The administration normally provides security at all Buddhist sites and structures across the district from November to April every year when there is heavy inflow of tourists. But, after the Mahabodhi Buddhist complex blasts on Sunday, it was decided to step up security measures at all the Buddhist sites located in the district, they said.

“I have talked to the Superintendent of Police (SP) in this regard and he has been directed to keep strict vigil at all these precious Buddhist sites which attract tourists not only from the state but also abroad,” said Jajpur district Collector Anil Kumar Samal.

The Buddhist complex and sites where security has been stepped up include Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, Lalitgiri and Langudi. Armed police personnel are being deployed at these sites, he said.

“Police stations under which the important Buddhist sites and monuments are located have been given strict instruction to provide fool proof security mobilising armed police guards and round-the-clock security measures have been put in the place. We are leaving no stone unturned to ward off any security theft,” said Deepak Kumar, Jajpur Superintendent of Police.

The Sunday attack on the Buddhist complex in Bodhgaya in Bihar state has sent shock waves among the residents residing in and around Udayagiri, Ratnagiri and Langudi areas in the district.

Source: India News, DT. July 9, 2013.