CPI-ML to oppose Sri Lankan president's Bodh Gaya visit

The Communist Party of India Marxist-Leninist will oppose Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to Bodh Gaya in Bihar on February 8, protesting against the ‘Tamil genocide’ in his country.

CPI-ML state secretary Kunal told media persons on Thursday that hundreds of party workers will take out a protest march during Rajapaksa’s visit to Bodh Gaya and wave black flags at him.

Earlier, CPI-M) general secretary Dipankar Bhatacharya said that Rajapaksa's visit would be an insult to Bodh Gaya, the place directly associated with Lord Buddha, the apostle of non-violence

and peace.

He alleged that the Sri Lankan president had orchestrated the slaughter of lakhs of Tamils in his country a few years ago.

In view of CPI-ML’s announcement, the state government has made special security measures for the Sri Lanka president’s visit.

According to officials, the Sri Lankan president will visit Bodh Gaya to offer prayers at the Mahabodhi temple for peace and development of his country.

Bodh Gaya's 1,500-year-old MahabodhiTemple is considered Buddhism's holiest shrine. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.