Questions are being raised today on whether it is right for a religious organization to ban its worshippers from entering a house of worship.
This follows the confirmation that Fiji's largest Hindu organization, the Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha has banned four individuals from entering the Nasea temple in Labasa.
The Citizens Constitutional Forum said everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and the actions of the Sabha breaches the basic right of the four people.
However Sabha President, Dewan Maharaj said the dispute has been going on for some time and they had to ban the four.
Maharaj said the ban will only be lifted based on clear conditions.
CCF calls on the Sabha to retract its decision to ban the four as it reflects badly on such an influential organization.
Maharaj said the CCF is not aware of the longstanding dispute and they should contact him to find out the reason behind the ban.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Feature
Sabha to continue to ban 4 people from entering temple