FIJI Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has urged the public not to view the recent vandalism of Hindu idols at the Samabula Mandir in Suva as a reflection of rising religious intolerance in the country.
In a statement issued after visiting the temple on Friday afternoon, Mr Chaudhry expressed concern over the incident but cautioned against drawing broad conclusions about religious divisions.
“It was normal for Hindus to feel outraged at such attacks on their temples and places of worship,” he said. “But Friday’s incident may have been by a person believed to be mentally impaired. He is now in police custody and the law will take its course.”
Police are investigating the matter, and the suspect remains in custody.
Mr Chaudhry acknowledged that while similar incidents have occurred in the past, Fiji’s multicultural society has historically upheld religious tolerance.
“Unfortunately, such incidents occur from time to time.
“We live in a plural society alongside adherents of other religions and have seen instances of religious intolerance.”
He called on all faith communities to take steps to better secure their places of worship, likening such precautions to everyday measures taken to protect private homes.
“We must learn to take precautions and secure our temples and places of worship against such attacks just as we secure our homes,” Mr Chaudhry said.
Describing the destruction at the temple, he said he was personally saddened to witness the damage, particularly to historic statues dating back to the early 1900s.
“This is to be deeply regretted as they are non-replaceable.
“Besides, any attack on a temple leading to destruction of sacred scriptures and statues leaves deep scars and can be divisive in a multi-religious society.”
