AGARTALA, Jan 11 (TIWN): Buddhists on Sunday demanded the release of Bodhgaya’ Mahabodhi temple from non-Buddhists control.

A peaceful rally was organized in Agartala by the All India Buddhists Forum participated by hundreds of Buddhists devotees, monks.

This protest is a part of nationwide protest — which they said started 134 years ago. 

“We generally do not protest. We are peace lovers but we are forced to protest with our 134 years old demand,” said a rally participant. 

Protests led by groups like the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) are ongoing in India, demanding the government repeal the 1949 Bodh Gaya Temple Act to grant Buddhists full control over the sacred Mahabodhi Temple, currently managed by a Hindu-majority committee with a Hindu chairman. 

Demonstrators argue this law denies Buddhists autonomy over their holiest site, leading to hunger strikes, rallies across India and court challenges, with supporters demanding justice and an end to "Brahminical control"