The Vishva Hindu Parishad Fiji (VHP Fiji) has issued a strong condemnation of the desecration of sacred worship idols at the Shiv Mandir in Samabula on Friday.
The organisation said act of vandalism was not only an attack on the Hindu faith and community but also a grave affront to the principles of humanity, religious harmony, and national unity.
“Any act of sacrilege and religious intolerance is deplorable and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” Jay Dayaal, National President of VHP Fiji said.
“Hate crimes are fuelled by religious prejudices, bigotry, stereotypes, and supremacist ideologies.”
“This is an anathema to a multi-cultural society like Fiji.”
“Despite numerous advocacies on multiculturalism and social cohesion, it is very disappointing to see acts of sacrilege rear their ugly head time and again.”
VHP Fiji is urging all Fijians to reject all forms of religious intolerance and vandalism.
“We urge the Government to implement robust measures that safeguard places of worship and strengthen laws that criminalize acts of sacrilege.”
“Let us exercise our shared responsibilities in upholding the values of religious harmony, unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.”
