Chaudhry Urges Greater Security for Temples Following Samabula Mandir Desecration

Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has called for increased security at temples and places of worship following the desecration of Hindu idols at the Samabula Shiv Mandir on Friday.

While expressing deep concern over the incident, Chaudhry urged against interpreting it as a sign of growing religious intolerance, noting that the suspect—believed to be mentally unwell—is now in police custody and the law will take its course.

“It is normal for Hindus to feel outraged at such attacks on their temples and places of worship,” Chaudhry said after visiting the temple on Friday afternoon. “Unfortunately, such incidents occur from time to time. We live in a plural society alongside adherents of other religions and have seen instances of religious intolerance. It erodes our sense of safety and security.”

He stressed the need for proactive measures, urging temple authorities and the community at large to tighten security.

“We must learn to take precautions and secure our temples and places of worship against such attacks just as we secure our homes,” he said.

Chaudhry also expressed his personal sorrow at the destruction of historical religious artifacts.

“I myself am deeply disturbed to see destruction of precious statues of historic antiquity going back to the early 1900s. This is highly regrettable as they are non-replaceable,” he said.

He warned that such incidents, if not addressed properly, could have divisive consequences in a multi-religious society.

“Any attack on a temple causing destruction of sacred scriptures and statues leaves deep scars and can be divisive,” he said.

Chaudhry called for a collective response involving heightened awareness and collaboration between the community and law enforcement.

“We encourage a proactive approach, including improved surveillance, community vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to safeguard our sacred spaces from further acts of desecration and hate crimes,” he said.