Buddhist temple monks recruited to new anti-terror squad
The unit at the Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou consists of 20 monks and 25 security officers and was formed in the wake of the knife attack at the Kunming railway station last month that officials blamed on separatist militants from Xinjiang, Xinhua reported. Twenty-nine people and four attackers were killed in the Kunming incident.
A Buddhist temple in Zhejiang province has set up a squad to deal with terrorist attacks.
The unit at the Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou consists of 20 monks and 25 security officers and was formed in the wake of the knife attack at the Kunming railway station last month that officials blamed on separatist militants from Xinjiang, Xinhua reported. Twenty-nine people and four attackers were killed in the Kunming incident.
The Lingyin temple near West Lake was built in AD326 and is a big tourist attraction in the city.
Some people commenting on social media said they were saddened that a place of peace and contemplation had formed an anti-terror unit.
Master Jueheng, a member of the unit, told Xinhua: "The Lingyin Temple receives about 10,000 visitors and worshippers every day. With this group we can raise awareness among monks about how to respond to sudden terrorist attacks and ensure visitors' and worshippers' safety.
"Monks worship Buddhism in the day and have training at night," he said.
