Dharma Reddy, a 73-year-old sugarcane farmer from Labasa, is calling on Fijians to embrace the true spirit of Christmas amid a tragic incident involving his bullock. The farmer discovered his bullock dead and brutally skinned, leaving behind only its head and intestines. Reddy believes that someone in dire need resorted to this inhumane act in a desperate attempt to provide meat for their family.
Reddy, who journeys an hour and a half each morning from his home in Wailevu to tend to his farm, expressed his concern about how the loss of his animal will hinder his ability to prepare the land for the upcoming planting season. He purchased two bullocks for about $5,000 two years ago for ploughing purposes, and now, with only one remaining, he is unsure how he will manage the workload.
Despite reporting the incident to the Labasa Police Station, Reddy remains skeptical about any actionable results, noting that similar incidents involving sugarcane farmers have occurred without resolution in the past. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the genuine meaning of Christmas and urges people to uphold compassion rather than allowing greed to dictate their actions.
In a hopeful twist, this incident could serve as a reminder for the community to prioritize empathy and kindness during the holiday season. Reddy’s plea might inspire a collective commitment to finding more humane ways to support those in need without resorting to violence.
While the police have confirmed that no official report has been lodged regarding this incident, it brings attention to the ongoing challenges faced by farmers and the importance of community solidarity.
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