Fiji’s Sacred Spaces Under Threat: A Call for Unity and Respect

The Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha Fiji, led by national president Dhirendra Nand, has issued a strong plea for respect and protection of sacred spaces in response to recent acts of sacrilege affecting temples in Fiji. During an interview at the organization’s 63rd national convention in Lautoka, Nand implored individuals to refrain from desecrating religious sites, emphasizing that such actions deeply hurt community sentiments.

Nand expressed the importance of religious sites and texts, stating, “They are sacred to us. Please leave it alone for the people; you break a lot of hearts when you do such things.” He also highlighted ongoing police investigations into these incidents, reassuring the community of the law enforcement’s commitment to addressing these acts.

The issue of sacrilege has been compounded by a series of distressing events at various religious venues, including notable vandalism at the Wainibuku Cemetery and the desecration of sacred Hindu texts. Similar concerns have been raised following acts of vandalism at the Vunicuicui Shiv Mandir, where pages of the Ramayana were torn. These incidents underline a troubling trend of disrespect towards places of worship across Fiji, alarming community leaders and faith representatives alike.

Nand reassured community members, mentioning the installation of surveillance cameras at many temples administered by the Sabha, and invited other temples lacking security measures to seek assistance. He urged everyone to unite and engage in meaningful dialogue about respect for all religious practices, which could help strengthen bonds among diverse faith communities in Fiji.

This situation represents a critical moment to foster unity in the face of intolerance, as leaders advocate for increased community dialogue and protective measures for sacred spaces. The hope remains that these challenging times can lead to greater understanding and respect among various cultural and religious groups in Fiji, reinforcing the social fabric of a nation that prides itself on its diversity.