Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has made it clear that there is no tolerance for religious sacrilege in the country. Speaking at the Hindu Unity Gathering in Suva alongside Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, Kamikamica warned those involved in anti-religious acts that they will face the full force of the law. “If you are one of those committing these acts, Fiji is not the place for you,” he said, adding that the government will work hard to unite the people because everyone has a stake in the country and belongs there.
Kamikamica also praised the organizers for bringing people of different faiths together to stand against hate, describing the gathering as not only a nation-building exercise but an initiative to restore social trust, promote reconciliation, and bridge divides across communities. “For far too long, we have misunderstood each other,” he noted.
Radrodro stressed that the acceptance of every religion is encouraged in schools. “In all our schools, culture and religion are taught, ensuring students understand not only who they are but who they must be in the service of unity,” he said. He cited Hindu teachings such as the idea that the world is one family as resonating with Fiji’s civic values of inclusion, tolerance, peace, and shared harmony.
The event was supported by a broad network of Hindu organizations, including the World Hindu Federation of the Pacific, Bageshwar Jansewa Sanstha of Fiji, Vishwa Sanathan Sanstha of Fiji, United Sanathan Dharam of the Pacific, and more than 20 mandali and groups nationwide.
Context and outlook
The gathering sits amid a wave of concerns about religious intolerance in Fiji, with leaders from across the political and religious spectrum condemning sacrilege and urging stronger protections for places of worship. Earlier this year, officials condemned vandalism at temples and desecration of sacred texts, calling for urgent police investigations and interfaith dialogue to heal communities. Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka have both underscored the importance of unity, respect, and dialogue as Fiji continues to navigate its diverse religious landscape. Community leaders say such incidents should spark conversations that strengthen mutual understanding and resilience, rather than widen divides.
What it means for readers
– The government is signaling zero tolerance for religious hatred and acts of desecration, reinforcing the legal and social frameworks that protect worship sites.
– Education and community outreach are being leveraged to foster long-term unity, with religious tolerance embedded in school curriculums.
– Interfaith dialogue and collaboration among Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and other communities are being promoted as essential to maintaining Fiji’s social harmony.
Summary
The message from Fiji’s leadership is one of unity through respect for all faiths, with public assurances that any acts of sacrilege will be met with firm action. In a country known for its multicultural fabric, the emphasis on reconciliation, social trust, and shared belonging aims to strengthen communal bonds and safeguard Fiji’s diverse religious heritage.
Optional note for editors
Consider adding a box listing the main organizations backing the Hindu Unity Gathering and upcoming interfaith initiatives to enhance reader understanding of the broader coalition supporting these efforts.
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