Fiji Hindus Object to Recent Violence

NASINU, FIJI, March 29, 2005: Member of Parliament Pratap Chand yesterday warned the tolerance of the Hindu faithful was being stretched too far and could cause disunity between Fiji's two major races. Mr. Chand was reacting to the break-in at a temple at Narere, Nasinu, last weekend where thieves climbed through a window and ransacked the temple. He said the increase in the number of Hindu temple break-ins around the country showed the lack of respect for other religions in the country. "These on-going attacks on Hindu temple are getting unbearable. What makes it worse is that the recent break-in occurred on Easter and just after the sevens victory celebrations which brought everyone together," he said.

"The Hindus tolerance level has been stretched too far and could break one day if temple break-ins continue to happen. "This could divide the two major races even further," he said. Mr. Chand called on Christian leaders to preach respect in their respective churches so that people would stop attacking Hindu temples. The Methodist Church of Fiji said people breaking into and destroying places of worship were sick.