As the nation begins this year’s Shree Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji has emphasized that protecting sacred spaces must remain a national priority.
National President Dhirendra Nand says they have welcomed a recent statement by the Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua, who declared that all places of worship—across all faiths—must be protected.
The Minister also commended the Fiji Police Force for taking proactive steps to safeguard religious sites from any form of sacrilege.
Nand says that, in preparation for the Janmashtami celebrations taking place from yesterday until Saturday — which marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the deity who stands for righteousness and peace — the Sabha has submitted a list of temples, community halls, and places of worship to Police Headquarters.
He says the Community Policing Division has promised enhanced security and regular patrols throughout the sacred period.
Nand says officers will also be engaging communities on pressing social issues, including drug abuse, cyber security, online safety, bullying, domestic violence, and parents’ duty of care.
He says sessions will also raise awareness about sexual offences, and general community well-being.
He is encouraging followers of the Sanatan religion and the wider community to take part in the celebrations with devotion, and to actively support the awareness initiatives being rolled out by police.
The week-long celebration will include prayers, fasting, kirtan, and the reading of the Bhagavad Gita, offering a spiritual reminder of compassion, truth, and service to humanity.
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