Premila Kumar Condemns Acts of Religious Intolerance

Former minister and community advocate Premila Kumar has strongly condemned recent acts of religious intolerance in Fiji, particularly the desecration of the Hindu scripture Ramayan at the start of Ram Naumi celebrations.

“I stand with Hindus in Vunicuicui, across our country, and around the world during this difficult time,” Kumar stated.

She described the act as “deliberate and calculated to hurt the sentiments and faith of the Hindu community.”

The timing of the desecration, just days before the celebration of Lord Ram’s birth anniversary on April 6, adds to the distress of devotees.

Kumar highlighted another disturbing incident on the first day of Ram Naumi, when a temple in Bayview Heights was pelted with stones while prayers were taking place.

According to reports from devotees, stones were thrown at 7:15 PM and again at 7:30 PM, disrupting the sacred prayers.

Although the police were called, she noted that the incident was not covered in the media.

“Unfortunately, many such cases go unreported, either to the police or the media, contributing to a growing tide of religious intolerance and hatred in our country,” she said.

She also criticized leaders who fail to condemn such acts, stating that their silence encourages further division within communities.

Kumar has urged the government to hold perpetrators accountable, warning that inaction will only embolden those responsible.

“I call on the government to bring those responsible for these acts to justice. Failing to do so will only further divide our communities,” she stressed.

At the same time, she called on all faith groups to work together to heal the nation from the growing flame of intolerance and hatred.