Minister for Policing Iowane Naivalurua said the Fiji Police Force is working with inter-religious leaders to co-design security plans at their places of worship.
He made the comments in Parliament, stating Fiji Police Force has taken decisive and proactive steps to strengthen the protection of all religious sites in the country, following recent security concerns surrounding the sacrilege at the Samabula Shiv mandir.
“Together, we are developing joint security protocols, conducting public awareness programs and fostering a shared commitment to the protection of all sacred spaces,” he said.
Police have requested the management of the affected Hindu place of worship to review their internal security arrangements.
Mr Naivalurua revealed that they have encouraged the formation of security committees within religious communities and are piloting a security plan template that can be used by other faith-based organisations.
“We are sending a clear and firm message: sacred spaces across all faiths must be protected.”
To reinforce this, the Police are now working closely with inter-religious leaders to co-design security plans tailored to the unique needs of different communities but aligned with police standard operating procedures.
These templates, once finalised, will be distributed widely for adoption.
In addition, the Minister confirmed that police patrols have been increased around key places of worship, and that heightened visibility will continue during upcoming religious festivals.
