Surendra Lal, a well-known figure, stated that Fijians of Indian descent in Labasa were specifically targeted during past coups. During the Truth and Reconciliation steering committee’s discussions in Labasa, he noted that this community faced threats and mistreatment, resulting in a loss of trust in the disciplined forces.
Lal highlighted that canefarmers were particularly affected in the 1987 coups, recounting instances where they were forcibly taken from town and made to walk barefoot to a military camp. He expressed that they deserve an apology for their past treatment and criticized the lack of acknowledgment from authorities towards those impacted by the coups.
In response, Sashi Kiran, chairperson of the steering committee, emphasized that the commission would be established to address the grievances of all ethnic groups in the country, not just one. She assured that every community would have the opportunity to present their concerns, reinforcing that the commission’s focus is on national reconciliation rather than individual issues.