Buddhist monk on hunger strike in protest over Mahabodhi Temple complex blasts

A Buddhist monk has gone on an indefinite hunger strike here in protest against the recent blasts at the famed Mahabodhi Temple.

Vante Bhut Sarang began his hunger strike on Friday.

Determined to sacrifice his life for this cause, he sat outside the temple premises, with posters hanging all around.

Interacting with reporters, the aged monk demanded better security arrangements for pilgrimage centre, frequented by devotees from India and abroad.

"The main demand is that Bodh Gaya should get a security cover. The guilty in the blasts should be punished. The reports of the investigations must be made public. Till the time my demands are not met, I will sit here on an indefinite hunger strike," he said.

Ten bombs exploded at the Mahabodhi Temple complex on July 7, place where the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment.

Two persons were injured in the incident, in what the government described as a 'terror' attack.

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In 2002 the UNESCO had declared the Mahabodhi Temple as a world heritage site.