Buddhists Protest Bulldozer Threat at Balaju Gumpha

Kathmandu. Buddhists have strongly objected to the preparation to run a bulldozer at the Ogyan Jamling Ter Gumpha in Balaju, Kathmandu. They expressed their anger after being informed on Friday that the Gumpha would be bulldozed as unauthorized, at a time when messages of peace and prosperity are being spread worldwide on the occasion of the 2570th birth anniversary of Buddha. 

They consider this move a direct attack on Buddhism and have strongly criticized Prime Minister Balendra Shah. Gumpha operator Umesh Lama said that even though Shah took his oath in the presence of Buddhist monks, it is unacceptable to try to run a bulldozer over a center of faith of the same religion now. 

Calling it an attack on Buddhism, he said, 'As this Gumpha is being demolished, may no Buddhist be attacked, may no bulldozer run over those who have faith. We are ready to facilitate the demolition of the Gumpha, but can this Gumpha stand again in the same condition? That is my question. This is a direct attack on Buddhism. Because yesterday, when Balendra Shah was the Prime Minister, those who took an oath in the presence of 107 monks and made a show are now bulldozing the Gumpha. Should this not be considered?' 

Lama claimed that this is not encroachment but an attack on Buddhism to seize 8 ana land in the name of the Gumpha and warned against such actions. The operators' committee estimates the Gumpha, established in 2057 BS on approximately 8 ana land, is currently worth 14/15 crore. 

Lama, who is also a member of the operators' committee, asserted that even though the Gumpha is state property, the state is trying to destroy its own property by running a bulldozer. The monks complain that by attempting to run a bulldozer over the 2.5-story Gumpha building, the state has forgotten its duty to protect the Gumpha.