TISI Sangam Fiji Condemns Sacrilege at Samabula Shiv Mandir, Calls for National Unity and Healing

TISI Sangam Fiji has strongly condemned the desecration of sacred idols and property at the historic Shiv Mandir in Samabula, calling the act a “direct assault” on Fiji’s values of religious harmony and national unity.

In a statement issued by National President Hon. Parveen Bala, the organisation described the act of sacrilege as not only criminal, but morally reprehensible, striking at the heart of the nation’s multicultural identity.

“This is more than vandalism—it is an evil act, regardless of the motivation, the scale of damage, or the state of mind of the perpetrator,” Bala said. “This temple, like many others across our nation, stands as a testament to the contributions of Fiji’s Hindu community—a community that has helped build this country through faith, hard work and inclusivity.”

The Samabula Shiv Mandir, an iconic place of worship in Suva, has long served as a spiritual and cultural landmark for generations of Fijians. Its desecration has sparked national outrage and drawn widespread condemnation from across the political and religious spectrum.

TISI Sangam, a prominent interfaith organisation founded on principles of inclusivity and service, urged all Fijians to reject hatred and refrain from any language or action that could fuel further religious intolerance.

“An attack on one faith is an attack on the dignity of all,” Bala said. “We must stand united in the face of such cowardly acts.”

While acknowledging and commending the statements of other religious and community leaders, Bala emphasized that healing would not come from finger-pointing.

“We at TISI Sangam believe that now is not the time for blame—it is the time for reflection and reconciliation. We urge religious and community leaders to preach unity and understanding, and call on political leaders to avoid rhetoric that deepens divisions,” he said.

The organisation concluded by reaffirming its commitment to fostering peace, tolerance, and interfaith solidarity throughout Fiji.