Two major Hindu organisations in Fiji have issued a joint appeal for urgent government intervention after a spate of temple attacks, saying they need protection, safety and assurance, not just wishes.
The fist-sized wave of vandalism continues to target places of worship, with the latest incident at the Shree Baba Ragho Dass Vishnu (SBRDV) Temple in Sawani, Nausori, where the temple was stoned on a Tuesday evening. SBRDV Temple’s chair of trustees, Govind Singh, and the Sanatan Dharam Mahamandal (SDM) Vunimono president, Rohitesh Chand, said this latest attack fits a troubling pattern of targeted acts against Hindu temples. They linked it to earlier incidents at the Shiv Temple in Samabula and at a location in Wailailai Kuti, arguing that offenders appear to believe they can act with impunity.
We are calling on the government to take a serious stance. Otherwise, it creates fear and continuous trepidation among followers of Sanatan Dharm, the leaders said.
While they acknowledged festive greetings from national leaders during Ganesh Utsav, the temple heads insisted that such gestures are not enough. We are in more need of protection, safety and assurance than wishes, the joint statement read. Such attacks, they warned, risk undermining the efforts of leaders to build a peaceful, multi-racial society.
The leaders cautioned that if no action is taken, they will consider convening a legally sanctioned gathering to demand accountability. We cannot sit idle while our faith is attacked. If the government fails to act swiftly, we will take this further through proper legal means, they declared. Both leaders emphasized that their organisations have long promoted peace and unity, but they will not let these incidents be swept under the rug.
We are raising this alarm now, before more temples are targeted. If this call falls on deaf ears, we will explore other options, they added.
Context and broader response from other leaders and groups in Fiji have echoed similar calls for action. Across the country, authorities have condemned such attacks and pledged to safeguard places of worship, with police investigations and heightened security often cited in related coverage. The incidents have sparked renewed discussions about interfaith dialogue and closer collaboration among government, law enforcement and religious communities to prevent further violence and to reassure worshippers that sacred spaces will be protected.
What readers should know:
– The latest attack occurred during a religious gathering at the Sawani temple; police investigations are expected to keep security tight in the short term.
– National leaders have condemned religiously motivated violence and reaffirmed the right to worship freely.
– Attacks form part of a broader pattern prompting calls for enhanced protections at temples and renewed interfaith engagement.
What readers can do to stay informed and safe:
– Attend upcoming interfaith dialogues and community safety meetings.
– Report any threats or suspicious activity to local authorities.
– Support community efforts to safeguard sacred spaces and promote mutual respect across faith groups.
Context from related coverage shows a broader national conversation about safeguarding religious sites and strengthening social cohesion. Leaders across Fiji have urged stronger protective measures and community dialogue, underscoring that unity and proactive protection are essential to ensuring all faiths can worship in safety.
Summary and outlook:
Despite disturbing acts of vandalism, community leaders remain hopeful that unity, dialogue and concrete protections will strengthen Fiji’s diverse religious landscape. By combining legal channels, police support, and ongoing interfaith engagement, there is a clear path toward restoring confidence among worshippers that sacred spaces will be safeguarded and that Fiji’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious society can continue to thrive in safety and harmony.
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