Hindu Temples of Fiji are again on the target.
In July a break-in at the Sita Ram Mandir of Calia, Navua angered the Hindu community. The money box was found damaged and in festival season, such thefts are a huge set back for the community.
Another Hindu Temple at Malolo, Nadi was also targeted and several rooms were broken into in July while USD 3700 damage was done by the ransackers. The news came to light on 27th July as news spread out on social media. Thi 65-year old Temple at Malolo is one of the oldest Temples in the Nadi region. The windowpane of the Temple was also shattered by the vandals.
But these are the cases from July that somehow got reported, there are apprehensions that more Hindu Temples were targeted in this month.
On August 1st, 2019, Kaliamman Temple of Vomo St, Lautoka also fell prey to the vandals. The vandals broke down the window panes and the Temple door.
Taking into account of the vandalism of the Temples at Fiji, Hindu Forum Sweden President Chitra Paul issued a stern statement demanding that the vandals responsible be brought to face the law.
CurrenTriggers.com has requested comments on recent vandalism from the apex body of the Fijian Hindus, the Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam. Their comments will be produced here.
Temple desecrations with racial overtones have often been reported from Fiji.
Pakistan: Hindu Temples attacked on the eve of Holi, Hindus afraid (video)
As per the 2007 census, there are some 313,798 Hindus in Fiji and the Hinduism adherents are the second largest religious community in the country, comprising 28% of the total population. 76% of the Hindus of Fiji are of Indian origin.
Picture for representative purpose only.
