Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said he is deeply disturbed by the stoning of a Hindu temple in Sawani, near Nausori, last night and called on all right-minded citizens to condemn such acts. He stressed that Fiji’s strength lies in its multi-ethnic and multi-religious makeup and urged everyone to uphold the rule of law in the pursuit of peace.
Rabuka said Fiji’s religious and community leaders must stand united with the Fiji Police Force and the Government, warning that taking the law into one’s own hands must never be an option. He urged leaders across the country to strengthen partnerships, unity, and solidarity as investigations proceed.
The prime minister underscored that tolerance and mutual respect are essential to maintaining harmony in Fiji. His appeal echoed a broader national message that places of worship must be protected and that all communities should live together in peace, without fear or discrimination. The government has consistently emphasized the importance of safeguarding sacred sites and preventing acts of vandalism or sacrilege.
This latest incident follows a string of similar harms to places of worship, including the tearing of pages from the Holy Ramayan at the Vunicuicui Shiv Mandir in Labasa. Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad and other leaders have condemned such acts and called for swift police investigations, enhanced protections for religious sites, and a renewed commitment to interfaith dialogue to promote understanding and unity.
Despite the distress these acts cause, community leaders see an opportunity for constructive dialogue among faiths and for strengthening the social fabric. They remain hopeful that heightened cooperation between government, law enforcement, and religious communities can guard Fiji’s diverse religious landscape and prevent future violence.
Rabuka’s message, supported by other senior officials, reinforces the idea that unity and respect among Fiji’s different faiths are cornerstones of national resilience. The ongoing investigations and the call for interfaith engagement are part of a broader effort to heal communities and build a more inclusive society.
Additional note for editors: To add value, consider publishing a sidebar with information on how communities can report threats or hate incidents, as well as dates of upcoming interfaith dialogues or community meetings. This incident could also be paired with a brief timeline comparing recent attacks on sacred sites to help readers understand the pattern and the government’s response.
Summary: The nation is confronted with a troubling act of violence against a sacred site, prompting firm condemnation from the Prime Minister and other leaders, a call for unity and lawful action, ongoing police investigations, and renewed emphasis on protecting places of worship and fostering interfaith dialogue. A hopeful throughline is the shared commitment to strengthen community bonds and resilience in Fiji’s diverse society.
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