
Akash Lama led AIBF joined by Sikkim Buddhist Forum demand Freedom of Religion
Gangtok,21st Sept :Sikkim Buddhist Forum organised a rally here on Sunday The devotees,Monks and others marched from Amdo Golai to District Court,shouting slogans like we want justice.Repeal BT Act 1949.
Akash Lama General Secretary All India Buddhist Forum addressing the gathering at Amdo Golai and later at the road above Distt Court,said ,’ When all other religious sects including Hindus,Muslims and Christians have only their followers controlling the Temples,Mosques and Churches ,why not Buddhists? They have Hindus in control of Bodh Gaya Temple( monastery) and hardly 3 Buddhists.DC a non – Buddhist is the Chairman. We demand handing over the Bodhi Gaya Temple Management Committee to us,entirely to the Buddhists.’
Lama ,alleged that there was huge corruption .When article 370 could be scrapped overnight why not amend 1949 BTAct,?.
GS Lama asked everyone to ensure their rights are known to them and teach children about it.He added ‘we don’t want our children to come out for a movement like this so let it be done currently also.’He pressed for permanent solution to the matter,pointed out since last three years.
Sonam Dorjee Incharge ASB,A,lamented so many Buddhists missing the rally.’We hear people proudly talk about visit pilgrimage to BodhGaya ,but today so many of them did not come and join us.Sikkim is the only State in India ,where we have Sangha seat in the legislature,people should have joined the rally here for their rights!
AK Jaika also addressing said , ‘ the rally besides demands is for awareness also.Ladt time when a meeting was held at NIT ,hardly 4 students ( Monks) had any idea about Buddhist Temple Act 1949.Corizen As ction party also was represented at the rally.
The moment has been going across India,Akash Lama, will now be leaving for Ladakh where he claimed 10 Lakh Buddhists will be participating in the rally demanding Repeal of the Act and allowing transferring of authority from Hindus to Buddhists.He launched a signature campaign in favour of the demand and asked local members to hand over to him for submission to CM PS Tamang and others.