The desecration of the Holy Ramayan at a Labasa temple is inexcusable, intolerable and unforgivable and police must immediately investigate and take action.
This has been highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the National Federation Party, Professor Biman Prasad following the sacrilegious act at Vunicuicui Shiv Mandir on Monday, which he strongly condemned, especially as Hindus are engaged in nightly prayers to mark the birth of Lord Ram.
Professor Prasad says the desecration of the Holy Ramayan or any holy scripture of any religion is clearly sacrilege and a serious crime.
He says the last thing the country needs is for its multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious society to be ruined by social and moral decay brought about by racial and religious intolerance.
He further says religious intolerance of any kind cannot and must never be condoned.
The Deputy Prime Minister says this desecration of the Holy Ramayan at a time when its significance and values of truth, justice and righteousness are being preached every night on the occasion of Lord Ram’s birth naturally causes emotional anger.
He says against this backdrop, it is highly commendable that the temple devotees have shown restraint and are praying for peace and wisdom for those who either conspired or committed this crime.
He further says tragically, incidents like this ignite perception and give rise to racial connotations at a time when the country has embarked on a healing process through the work of the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Professor Prasad says while such perceptions are unavoidable during times like this, it is the sacred duty of everyone to ensure it does not become an impediment to making Fiji a land of hope and opportunity.
The President of the Vunicuicui Shiv Mandir has not filed a complaint with the Police.
We have sent questions to the Police. They are yet to respond.
