The desecration of Samabula’s Shiv Mandir has been strongly condemned by all members of Parliament.
Opposition MP Praveen Bala told Parliament the Shiv Mandir was a historical landmark where the largest Hindu organisation was founded in 1958.
“The Shiv Mandir is a spiritual and historical landmark and that is where the Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratindhi Sabha of Fiji, the largest Hindu organisation, was founded in 1958,” Mr Bala said.
“Its origin stretches back to the 1920s when our Girmitiya ancestors first built a humble kuti in Samabula.
“It has since become a hub of worship, cultural expression, and national unity.”
He said the mandir was “not just any structure” and he urged Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to consider allocating emergency funds through the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs “or another suitable channel for the restoration efforts at the temple and the replacement of its statues”.
Vijay Nath, also an Opposition MP, referred to the incident as “unethical and distressing”.
“The sight of the damaged idols is truly heartbreaking and deeply disturbing,” he said.
“This vile act is not just an attack on the place of worship but is an assault on the core principles that define us.”
He said he was reliably informed that another attempt was made at a temple in Savusavu last Saturday.
Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Lenora Qereqeretabua expressed disgust at the incident.
Samuela Tawase, 28, who was charged with committing sacrilege, appeared magistrate Yogesh Prasad in court last week and has been further remanded pending a psychiatric evaluation.
