The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has acknowledged the significant and enduring consequences faced by the Indo-Fijian community due to the turmoil surrounding the events of 1987 and 2000. Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua addressed Parliament, articulating that the RFMF recognizes its past actions contributed to national instability and emphasized the importance of a genuine reconciliation process that respects these historical contexts.
Mr. Tikoduadua stated that re-engaging with the Indo-Fijian community will require an approach that is not only practical but also respectful and sustained over time. He highlighted the complexities of the circumstances leading up to and following the events of 1987 and 2000, noting that these involved a myriad of political dynamics, social tensions, and historical grievances that cannot be encapsulated into a singular narrative. This complexity necessitates that reconciliation efforts cannot merely rely on symbolic gestures or administrative acts; they need to encompass a broader understanding of the diverse experiences encountered by Indo-Fijian families.
Currently, the reconciliation efforts are in their initial phases, with the RFMF gathering data to form a clearer understanding of past events and discern appropriate methods to approach the Indo-Fijian community. The goal is to create a pathway that acknowledges previous actions with transparency while offering families recognition in a manner that promotes long-term national unity.
Fairness across all communities will be a fundamental principle in the RFMF’s reconciliation strategy, as Mr. Tikoduadua outlined to Parliament. He noted the varying impacts of past conflicts on different communities, indicating that the Indo-Fijian segment underwent unique hardships particularly following the events of 1987. Meanwhile, iTaukei and other groups faced their own challenges during subsequent periods of unrest.
The Minister emphasized the need for the Government to ensure that no community is marginalized in the reconciliation discussions and that the efforts are grounded in accuracy. He acknowledged the prolonged uncertainties faced by many Indo-Fijian families regarding their safety, livelihoods, and place within Fiji. This uncertainty has lead to significant decisions, such as relocation for some families, while others grapple with ongoing feelings of insecurity that have affected family dynamics, employment choices, and community interactions.
Mr. Tikoduadua concluded by reiterating that the effects of past conflicts remain deeply rooted in the lived experiences and collective memory of the Indo-Fijian community and highlighted the importance of directly engaging these realities for any reconciliation effort to be deemed credible.
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