Dharma Reddy, a 73-year-old sugarcane farmer from Labasa, is imploring Fijians to embody the true spirit of Christmas following a devastating incident on his farm. This week, Mr. Reddy discovered his bullock dead, with its remains left skinned and only the head and intestines left behind. He believes that someone in dire need of food may have committed this cruel act.
“This was an innocent animal that did no harm to anyone and was simply grazing on my property,” Mr. Reddy expressed. He walks approximately an hour and thirty minutes from his home in Wailevu to reach his farm, highlighting his commitment to his work.
As a father of two, Mr. Reddy faces challenges ahead due to the loss of his bullock, which he purchased for $5,000 two years ago to facilitate his farming. “Now with one bullock, how will I complete the work?” he laments. Despite reporting the matter to the Labasa Police Station, he expresses skepticism about the situation being resolved, citing that this is not an isolated case for sugarcane farmers.
Mr. Reddy urges the community to reflect on the meaning of Christmas, discouraging greed that leads to the taking of lives for mere temporary satisfaction. In response to the incident, police spokesperson Wame Bautolu confirmed that no formal report has been lodged yet.
This heartbreaking incident sheds light on the challenges faced by farmers and the importance of compassion during the festive season. It serves as a reminder to foster kindness and support within the community, especially during times of celebration.
In summary, Mr. Reddy’s plea calls for a re-evaluation of values during Christmas, emphasizing the necessity of empathy towards all living beings. The hope is that through awareness and understanding, incidents like this can be mitigated in the future, fostering a stronger, more compassionate community.
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