Hindu Concern for Temples in Fiji

Posted June 21, 2005
Publication: Fiji Times Online
Date: June 13, 2005

The increasing incidents of disrespect shown to places of worship are of serious concern to the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, president Kamlesh Arya says.

Mr Arya said police statistics confirmed that 149 such cases had been recorded between 2001 to April 2005, of which 100 acts of sacrilege had been carried out in Hindu temples.

He said only three of the cases had been prosecuted.

Mr Arya said the acts were seen as religious intimidation and not opportunity thefts as stated by police.

"The assumption is based on the method of entry, extent of physical destruction and violation of religious text. In the case of Kabir mandir at Kinoya, the criminal elements carried away each and every religious text," he said.

"This sort of action builds a public perception of subtle religious persecution."

Mr Arya said the case of sacrilege in Nadi and the associated damage was added testimony to the public perception.

"The Sabha strongly denounces these acts of sacrilege and call on law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice."

He was speaking at the 88 annual meeting of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji on Sunday at the Bhawani Dayal Arya College in Nakasi.

About 400 Sabha members from all districts around the country were present at the meeting.

They voted for the new office bearers at the meeting which also saw the appointment of the managers of Sabha schools in the country.

The theme for this year's Sabha convention was 'Forming social alliances to further universal values'.