No Evidence of Political Interference in Permit Saga, Police Say Event May Go Ahead

No evidence has so far been produced to support claims that political interference led to the initial cancellation of a permit for the Hindu Unity Event scheduled to be held in Suva on 9 August 2025.

While event organiser Mr. Sandeep Singh, a well-known community figure, has publicly alleged that political motives were behind the earlier decision, he has not provided any evidence to support this claim. Furthermore, it remains unclear where these allegations originated.

Duavata News has contacted Mr. Singh with specific questions seeking clarification on these allegations. As of publication time, Mr. Singh has not responded.

Following Mr. Singh’s public allegations, a wide range of social media users, media personnel, and political commentators took to various platforms to wrongly criticise the government — including Hindu cabinet ministers — for the permit cancellation.

However, documents obtained by Duavata News confirm that several prominent Hindu organisations, including the Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji (SSDPS), wrote to the organisers requesting that their names and affiliated temples be removed from event promotions.

These objections we are told played a part in the permit cancellation.

In a letter dated 30 July 2025, SSDPS stated:

“SSDPS of Fiji, along with all its affiliated branches, wings, and Sanatan-owned temples, will not be participating in the upcoming Hindu Unity Event... Please ensure that there is no further misrepresentation of SSDPS of Fiji’s involvement or use of its name in this context.”

The organisation further requested that no funds be collected under the name of Sanatan Shiv Mandir, as all financial processes are managed through official SSDPS channels.

Duavata News has confirmed that Mr. Singh was made aware of these objections prior to the original permit decision, yet these details were not disclosed in his public comments.

While the Fiji Police Force has not publicly commented on the political claims, they have issued a statement confirming that a permit was not required for the event, as it is being held in a private venue.

Following a review, Police have informed the organiser that the event may proceed, and have sought the organiser’s cooperation to ensure safety and compliance under the Public Order Act.

“Although the application was not necessary, the organiser’s willingness to apply for the permit is appreciated. It showed cooperation with law enforcement,” the Police stated.