Patna, July 8: The state government today sent an “express proposal” to the Centre demanding immediate handover of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara’s security to the Central Industrial Security Force.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar, who had yesterday after the serial blasts advocated for the CISF to man the holiest Buddhist shrine in Bodhgaya, confirmed today that as many as 10 blasts had occurred in the holy town. Earlier, it was reported that nine bombs had gone off.

Giving a break up of the explosions, Nitish said: “Twelve bombs had been used by the perpetrators. Ten bombs exploded, while the security men defused two others on site.” State home secretary Amir Subhani, who accompanied Nitish to the news meet after the weekly janata durbar at 1 Aney Marg, confirmed that the state government had sent the “express proposal” to the Centre to hand over the security of the Mahabodhi temple to the CISF.

The state government, Nitish said, would bear the cost of the maintenance of the CISF at the shrine. He said: “The investigation should be carried out in a proper manner. Jumping at a conclusion ahead of the investigation is not justified.” He assured all cooperation to the National Investigation Agency, which is probing the serial blasts in Bodhgaya.

Although Nitish confirmed that the state government had received information about the possibility of such an attack and taken action on it, he claimed no one could stop incidents like serial blasts. “Such an incident has occurred for the first time in Bihar, warranting upon us to take it seriously. Such incidents can occur in any part of the country. It is a big challenge and we have to learn from it.”

Myanmar promise

India promised to share the findings of its probe into the serial blasts with Myanmar. Foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai, in Naypyidaw for discussions scheduled before the explosions, made the assurance when he met Myanmar foreign minister U. Wunna Maung Lwin, sources said.