Security beefed up at Dalai Lama’s McLo residence

DHARAMSHALA: Security at the Dalai Lama’s residence in McLeodganj, Dharamshala, has been beefed up after a bomb scare at Bodh Gaya, where the Tibetan spiritual leader is currently giving teachings.

“We have already put in place adequate security arrangements at the Dalai Lama’s residence and security personnel too have been sensitised after the incident,” said Kangra superintendent of police (SP) Santosh Patyal.

Two crude bombs were found at Bodh Gaya pilgrimage centre in Bihar last Friday, just hours after the 82-year-old spiritual leader had retired for the day.

The bombs were found from the vicinity of the Kalachakra ground during an intensive

THE DALAI LAMA IS ON A VISIT TO BODH GAYA AND WILL RETURN TO DHARAMSHALA, HIS HOME IN EXILE, IN FEB.

combing operation after a small explosion near the complex.

Considered one of the most sacred Buddhist shrine and the seat of Buddha's enlightenment, the Mahabodhi temple complex had been the target of serial bomb blasts in July 2013 that had left many injured.

Meanwhile, Patyal said the frisking of tourists visiting the Tsuglakhang Temple, which is just adjacent to the spiritual leader’s palace, has been intensified. “Our men are keeping a close eye on the people visiting the town and the temple,” Patyal added.

The Dalai Lama is on a visit to Bodh Gaya and will return to Dharamshala, his home in exile, in February.

A 100 men strong force of Himachal police guards the Dalai Lama’s McLeodganj residence apart from the special team of security department of the government-in-exile.

No major incidents have been reported in McLeodganj till now in over 50 years, except for a few times when people have been arrested on suspicion of spying.

A suspected Chinese spy was held from here last in 2013. The Dalai Lama fled from Tibet in 1959 and lived in India in exile since then. He first set up his base in the hill town of Mussoorie and later shifted to McLeodganj after a year.