Patna: Sulekha Kumbhare, a member of the National Minority Commission, conducted a meeting with the Mahabodhi Temple Trust on Saturday and reviewed the shrine's security arrangements.

She is on an official visit to Bihar since February 22 for the purpose and expressed a clear need for expansion of security arrangements in and around the temple.

"A mindset to inflict harm on the temple has built up among fringe groups. The January 19 bomb blast plan had failed but it cannot be neglected at the state government or the Union government level," said Kumbhare.

In July 2013, a series of 10 bombs had exploded in and around the Mahabodhi temple complex but the sacred Mahabodhi tree (where Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment) was unharmed.

The Archaeological Survey of India confirmed damages to some new structures in the temple complex. The National Investigating Agency had blamed Indian Mujahideen for the bombings.

"I held a meeting with the district magistrate to make suggestive proposals to ensure the safety and security of the shrine and the pilgrims. We can also seek cooperation from Japan to upgrade the security of the temple complex," she added.

Kumbhare also held a meeting with the state minority welfare minister to review the implementation of minority welfare schemes in Bihar. The minister was told to submit the report within seven days.

"We want the central and the state governments to come together for the security of Mahabodhi temple. This is the responsibility of both, as the shrine is an important site for religious tourism in Bihar as well as it is a Unesco World Heritage Site of international cultural significance."

"I wanted to discuss the issue with chief minister Nitish Kumar but he was unable to grant a meeting. As of now, there is no international convention centre in Bodhgaya. So we will discuss the issue with him later. We will organise an international conference in Bodhgaya on February 28," said Kumbhare.