World Hindu Federation Pacific urges Modi to press Fiji’s Rabuka on temple desecrations
The World Hindu Federation (Pacific) has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to raise concerns with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka about a wave of attacks on Hindu temples, homes, and sacred symbols across Fiji. The group notes that Rabuka is hosting Modi on an official visit to India and asks that the issue be raised during bilateral talks.
WHF Pacific President Dr. Sunil Kumar labeled the spate of desecrations as deeply troubling, citing recent thefts of sacred items and acts of vandalism against temples and Hindu households. He said these incidents have brought distress and insecurity to Fiji’s Hindu community and questioned why such acts have persisted despite public condemnations in the past.
The letter comes amid a broader pattern of attacks on places of worship that has drawn urgent responses from Fiji’s leadership. Prime Minister Rabuka, who is currently engaging with Indian leaders, has been forthright in calling for protection of all religious groups and upholding Fiji’s tradition of peace and mutual respect. Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad has likewise condemned the desecrations and pressed for swift police investigations to bring offenders to justice.
Authorities have stressed that faith and worship must be free from fear. Police investigations are ongoing into the recent vandalism, including incidents at the Shiv Mandirs in Labasa and Suva, and authorities have promised stronger protective measures for sacred sites. Community leaders and religious bodies have urged interfaith dialogue and practical steps to safeguard temples and other places of worship as Fiji works to maintain social harmony in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society.
In a broader sense, leaders say these challenges present an opportunity to reinforce unity and resilience. They emphasize that safeguarding sacred spaces goes hand in hand with protecting human rights, freedom of worship, and the rule of law. The discourse around these incidents has sparked renewed calls for dialogue across faith communities, with the aim of preventing hatred and fostering lasting peace.
Positive outlook and practical steps to watch for include heightened security around religious sites, continued government and police action to ensure accountability, and sustained interfaith engagement aimed at healing and mutual understanding. Community voices stress that Fiji’s strength lies in its diversity and in the shared commitment to coexistence, respect, and national unity.
Summary: The letter from the World Hindu Federation (Pacific) to Modi highlights a serious concern over temple desecrations in Fiji and requests top-level intervention during Rabuka’s visit to India. The situation has prompted condemnations from Fiji’s leaders, police investigations, and calls for stronger protections for places of worship, alongside renewed emphasis on interfaith dialogue and national unity as Fiji confronts these acts of intolerance with a view toward healing and resilience.
Leave a comment