The Shree Sanatan Dharm Purohit Brahman Maha Sabha Fiji has expressed strong condemnation of a social media video featuring a local pastor and a police officer who made inflammatory remarks against individuals of different faiths. The video has stirred significant controversy after the pastor urged Christians to refrain from participating in cultural and national celebrations like Diwali, Eid, Navratri, Holi, and Ram Navmi, branding them as worship of demons.
The Maha Sabha emphasized that such statements are not only disrespectful but also inflammatory towards Fiji’s diverse and multicultural society. These comments directly contradict the national values of peace, unity, and mutual respect that are vital for coexistence among various communities.
Concern is particularly heightened as the individual making these remarks is an active member of the police force. The organization noted that police officers are expected to maintain neutrality and respect towards all faiths, which is essential for cultivating trust within communities.
In response to these troubling assertions, the Maha Sabha has formally lodged a complaint with the relevant government ministries as well as the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). They are advocating for prompt disciplinary and legal action against the involved officer under the Civil Service Code of Conduct.
The organization also highlighted the importance of maintaining calm and unity among citizens, stressing that divisive rhetoric fueled by hatred has no place in Fiji. Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed that a formal complaint has been received and that an investigation is underway, with the CID leading the inquiry and Internal Affairs conducting an internal review of the officer’s conduct.
This situation echoes similar concerns previously voiced by the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha in Fiji, where remarks from a police officer also sparked outrage among the Hindu and Muslim communities for undermining the nation’s core values of racial and religious harmony. These incidents prompt a necessary dialogue on tolerance and respect among various faiths, as reaffirmed by community leaders and religious organizations.
As Fiji grapples with the challenges of religious intolerance, the collective response from diverse community leaders offers a hopeful perspective for the future. By promoting interfaith dialogue and reinforcing the values that unite all citizens, there is an aspiration for enhancing social cohesion and building a harmonious society that respects all beliefs.