The World Hindu Federation Pacific has released the text of a letter it sent to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to raise concerns about a wave of desecrations targeting Hindu temples, homes, and sacred symbols in Fiji. The federation’s president, Dr. Sunil Kumar, expressed deep alarm over the incidents, which include reports of Shiv Lings being removed from Hindu homes and temple precincts in Nadi. He described the attacks as a distressing trend that has left Fiji’s Hindu community feeling fearful, insecure, and under threat.
In the letter, the federation questions whether the attacks may be connected to the political atmosphere in Fiji and asks Modi to press Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for explanations and concrete steps to prevent future incidents, protect places of worship, and safeguard worshippers. The request comes as Rabuka travels to India for discussions with Modi, with the WHF Pacific hoping to secure top-level attention during bilateral talks.
The development follows broader calls from Hindu leaders across Fiji for stronger enforcement, enhanced surveillance, and greater public education to deter religiously motivated vandalism. While police investigations are underway in several cases, there is growing demand within the Hindu community for more visible actions and for official condemnation from the government.
Commentary from related voices in Fiji has emphasized that faith and worship must be protected from fear. In addition to the WHF Pacific’s appeal, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, along with other leaders, has condemned the desecrations and urged swift investigations to hold perpetrators to account. Community figures and religious bodies have also stressed the importance of interfaith dialogue and practical safeguards to preserve peace in Fiji’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious society.
Beyond the specific letter, several organizations have publicly condemned the incidents and called for stronger protections of sacred spaces. The Samabula Shiv Mandir vandalism in Suva, for instance, drew strong statements from the Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha Fiji and the Vishva Hindu Parishad Fiji, who urged unity, police vigilance, and the installation of improved security measures at temples. These voices emphasize that safeguarding sacred spaces is essential to national harmony and religious freedom.
What to watch next
– The response from India during Rabuka’s visit and any formal statements or discussions on Fiji’s temple desecrations.
– Ongoing police investigations and any new security measures announced to protect places of worship.
– Steps toward renewed interfaith engagement and community-building efforts across Fiji’s diverse faith groups.
Overall, the situation highlights a tension between safeguarding religious freedoms and maintaining social cohesion in Fiji. While the incidents have sparked fear and condemnation, leaders also point to a path of dialogue, lawful action, and strengthened protections as Fiji works to uphold peace and respect among its varied communities.
Summary: The letter from the World Hindu Federation Pacific to Modi underscores concern over temple desecrations in Fiji and seeks high-level intervention during Rabuka’s India visit, as Fiji’s leaders vow protection of worship sites and interfaith dialogue gains emphasis in response to the attacks.
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