There is no tolerance for religious sacrilege in Fiji, says Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica.
While officiating at the Hindu Unity Gathering in Suva yesterday with Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, Mr Kamikamica warned individuals who were carrying out these anti-religious acts they would be dealt with the full brunt of the law.
“If you are one of those committing these acts, Fiji is not the place for you,” he said.
“I want to assure all of you that we will work very hard to unite our people because all of us have a stake in this country.
“All of us belong here.”
Mr Kamikamica also praised the organisers of the event for bringing people of different religions together to stand against these acts of hate.
“When I was asked to preside over this gathering, I was told that this is not only a nation-building gathering but an initiative to restore social trust, promote reconciliation, and bridge divides across communities.
“For far too long, we have misunderstood each other.”
Meanwhile, Mr Radrodro said acceptance of every religion was encouraged in schools.
“In all our schools, culture and religion are taught, ensuring students understand not only who they are but also who they must be in the service of unity,” said Mr Radrodro.
“The teachings of Hinduism, such as the world is one family, echo strongly in our civic values, inclusion, tolerance, peace, and shared harmony.”
The event was supported by the World Hindu Federation of the Pacific, Bageshwar Jansewa Sanstha of Fiji, Vishwa Sanathan Sanstha of Fiji, United Sanathan Dharam of the Pacific, and more than 20 mandali, organisations, and groups nationwide, and groups nationwide.