ANY act of sacrilege in Fiji is inexcusable.
Speaking on behalf of the Inter-Faith Search Fiji assistant chairperson Dr Rajesh Maharaj described the recent desecration of the Samabula Shiv Mandir as a “very sad day” for Hindus across Fiji.
“There has been extensive damage to the deities and the temple infrastructure, especially to the deities,” Dr Maharaj said.
“A lot of devotees are emotional and very upset by what has happened.”
He described the attack as “inexcusable” and urged the public to recognise the deep pain and cultural harm such incidents cause.
While the motive behind the incident remains under police investigation, Dr Maharaj acknowledged that religiously motivated acts of hatred, while rare, still exist in society.
“Unfortunately, there are elements in society who harbour hate and resentment towards other faiths and other religions.”
Dr Maharaj visited the temple following the incident to offer support to local devotees on behalf of Inter-Faith Search Fiji, a non-governmental organisation formed after the 1987 coup in response to a wave of attacks on places of worship.
The Inter-Faith group comprises representatives from multiple religious communities, including the Muslim League, the Methodist Church of Fiji, the Catholic Church, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Anglican Church, the Sikh community, the Sanatan organisation, and the Hare Krishna movement.
According to Dr Maharaj, the group holds regular monthly meetings to address issues affecting religious and community relations in Fiji.
“On behalf of the Interfaith Church of Fiji, we strongly condemn this very heinous act and a very unfortunate and unacceptable tragedy that has affected this temple.
“This temple is very dear to a number of Hindus and devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Ram.”
