President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and political leaders across the board on Sunday condemned the serial blasts at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya as “a senseless act of violence to target innocent pilgrims which will be never be tolerated.” Expressing deep anguish over the blasts, Mr. Mukherjee said it was a senseless act of violence targeting innocent pilgrims and monks at the temple dedicated to Gautam Buddha — the apostle of peace. He asked people to cooperate with the authorities in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Dr. Singh said: “Our composite culture and traditions teach us respect for all religions and such attacks at religious places will never be tolerated.”
Vice-President Hamid Ansari said that “in such difficult times, Lord Buddha’s eternal message of universal peace, non-violence and compassion reminds us that violence has no place in a civilised society."
Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav said the serial bomb attacks took place in the most sacred place of worship where Lord Buddha presides, and therefore, an attack on it was like “an attack on humanity.”
“There were warnings but no precaution was taken,” said BJP leader Ravishankar Prasad.
