Source: Daily Post
SUVA, FIJI, September 2, 2002: Amid racial slurs and religious backstabbing in the Senate, a temple was attacked here. A Hindu temple at Naila, along Bau Road in Nausori, was the target of vandals who ransacked and set it alight. Fortunately the smoke was spotted by a neighbor and the fire extinguished with minor damage. Other temples in Fiji similarly torched at night have burned completely. Religious groups and political parties have condemned the act. Interfaith Search Fiji says that ever since the formation of Interfaith Search it has continuously witnessed the wrecking, burning and looting of religious buildings, particularly those of the non-Christian faith traditions. Shree Sanatan Dharam Prathinidhi Sabha national president Harish Sharma said such acts should not be condoned and should be put to a stop. Arya Prathinidhi Sabha of Fiji national president Kamlesh Arya said the burning of the items in the temple is a clear indication that some extreme elements against reconciliation still exist in the country. Mr. Arya believes recent racist remarks in Fiji’s parliament seemed to encourage such extreme elements to carry out such acts of sacrilege. Fiji Senator Mitieli Bulanauca said in parliament a few days earlier that public holidays marking Deepavali and Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday should be scrapped. Senator Bulanauca said that by having those public holidays, “Fijian people are forced to bow to other Gods in their own land.” And that, he said, was unconstitutional. He said Deepavali and Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday “can be special days for believers.” He then tried to compare Christianity with other religions, making references to false gods.