Statements about Diwali by religious and political leaders were not well thought out – NFP

The National Federation Party’s Parliamentary Caucus says the statements made about Diwali by religious and political leaders were not well thought out and they are glad that they have both been withdrawn.

Professor Biman Prasad, Pio Tikoduadua and Lenora Qereqeretabua say the comments about Diwali shows how much we must still deepen our understanding about how we live together and share our religious commemorations with one another.

They say these statements called on Hindus not to light fireworks on a Sunday and somehow suggest that all Hindus celebrate the most important event of their religious calendar the same way.

It says to suggest religious leaders can issue orders banning a whole group of people from doing things again reflects a lack of understanding adding no true leader of any religious faith try to impose their will on others.

The Party adds their role is to offer guidance and learning about the significance of religious events and they do not issue orders.

They say this year the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, Diwali and Christmas all follow in quick succession and this is a period for us to think about the role of faith in our personal lives - but also the deep contributions made to our country by all religious groups, in the areas of education and spiritual and community life.

The NFP says Diwali is like every major religious festival in Fiji an event shared by all of Fiji’s people, regardless of their race or faith.

They add during Diwali it is mostly the younger people who enjoy the excitement of fireworks, but these are people of all races and faiths.

NFP says Diwali has a significance and that is to light up the darkest night adding this is where fireworks are used by all our people, particularly the young, to capture the celebratory aspect of this Festival of Lights.

Meanwhile, SODELPA MP Lynda Tabuya had said that Sunday is the observance of the day of worship for majority of Fiji which is usually a quiet day of rest, reverence and reflection, and firecrackers will be lit on that day. She had said that surely there is more wisdom and sensitivity and the need to be more respectful.

Tabuya said that Monday has been allocated as the day, please do the right thing.

Tabuya had apologized and has deleted her comment.

She claimed her comment was screenshot and taken out of context.

The President of the Methodist Church in Fiji Reverend Dr Epineri Vakadewavosa says he is disappointed about the statement made by Reverend Wilfred Regunamada about Diwali on the official Methodist Church in Fiji facebook page on Monday.

He says the statement by Reverend Regunamada is not the stand of the church.

Reverend Vakadewavosa says we are all equal before God.

Reverend Vakadewavosa says they will meet with Reverend Regunamada because he did not follow protocol.

He says everything that goes through the media must go through an official process.

In that now-deleted statement posted on the Methodist Church in Fiji official Facebook page, Reverend Wilfred Regunamada called on leaders of Hindu religious organisations to liaise with Christian leaders and determine an appropriate time to light fireworks during Diwali on Sunday.

Reverend Regunamada also wrote about a national announcement to all Hindu and iTaukei families to refrain from lighting fireworks until 6pm Sunday after church services finish.