The Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji has strongly condemned the vandalism of the Wainibuku Cemetery in Nakasi last Sunday.
In a statement, President Dhirendra Nand expressed concern regarding the incident, describing it as a shameful act by those who exploited the sacred fire from an earlier cremation to burn the cemetery.
Nand says this act is disturbing, unacceptable and disrespectful.
He says it is disheartening that a deceased person had been cremated at the cemetery during the day, and on the same night, vandals exploited the sacred fire to desecrate the resting place.
The President says such an act is not only an insult to the deceased and their grieving family but also a blatant disrespect to Sanatan religious customs and human dignity.
Nand says the Sanatan Dharm cemeteries and cremation grounds are considered sacred spaces where the last rites of individuals are performed with utmost reverence and devotion.
He says the Sanatan teachings emphasise respect for the departed souls, sanctity of religious sites and the observance of last rites with sincerity and devotion.
The Sanatan Dharm urges the relevant authorities to investigate thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.
They say this heinous act has deeply affected the sentiments of Sanatan followers across Fiji.
We have also sent questions to the Police.
