This kind of hate and disrespect for religion has no place in our community.
These actions are meant to scare us and divide us, but we won't let them win but instead, this sad event should make us even stronger in our faith and even more determined to live together in peace.
This has been highlighted by Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj following the desecration of the Shiv Mandir in Samabula yesterday.
Police have arrested the man who allegedly carried out the act.
In a Facebook post, Maharaj says the man didn't just steal things; he broke the holy statues of Lord Shiva and damaged temple property.
He says this wasn't just someone trying to take things.
Maharaj says this was a direct and hurtful attack on the Sanatan Dharam, which is the Hindu faith.
The MP says when they broke the statues, they weren't just breaking idols; they were breaking something that means so much to Hindus, something they pray to.
He says it's a deep wound to all Hindus, everywhere.
Maharaj says to all the people who pray at the Mandir, and to the committee members who work so hard for it, he wants to say how truly sorry he is that this happened.
He says he knows how much this hurts and how angry people must feel.
Maharaj says this temple isn't just a building; it's a peaceful place, a place where people find comfort, and a very important part of our culture and religion.
He adds that they are all saying, as strongly as they can, that this bad act must be stopped.
Maharaj has thanked the Police for arresting the culprit quickly and says they must make sure the man faces the full brunt of the law so that it serves as a deterrent for anyone thinking of carrying out such a cowardly act.
He says it’s important that everyone knows that acts like this, which disrespect religion, will not be tolerated and will be punished.
