The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has acknowledged the significant and enduring repercussions faced by the Indo-Fijian community due to historical events in 1987 and 2000. Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, addressed Parliament, emphasizing the necessity for a reconciliation process that honestly engages with these realities.
Minister Tikoduadua stated that the RFMF recognizes its role in contributing to past instability and the importance of ensuring that engagements with the Indo-Fijian community are conducted in a practical, respectful, and sustainable manner. He highlighted the complexity of the circumstances surrounding the events of 1987 and 2000, which involved various political forces, social tensions, historical grievances, and institutional decisions intertwined in a manner that cannot be simplified into a single narrative.
He emphasized that one symbolic or administrative gesture would not suffice to address the myriad experiences of Indo-Fijian families. Tikoduadua noted that the RFMF is in the early stages of gathering information to develop a comprehensive understanding of the past and explore effective approaches to engaging with the affected community in a way that reflects the scale of harm experienced.
The aim of the RFMF, as articulated by Tikoduadua, is to create a pathway that recognizes past actions, allowing families acknowledgment of their experiences in a manner that fosters long-term national unity. He affirmed that fairness to all communities remains a fundamental aspect of the RFMF’s reconciliation efforts. The past conflicts have impacted communities differently, a reality that must inform their reconciliation strategy.
The Minister elaborated on how various groups, including the Indo-Fijian community, faced distinct challenges and traumas in the wake of Fiji’s historical conflicts. Many Indo-Fijian families have endured sustained uncertainty regarding their safety, livelihoods, and overall standing within the nation. As a result, some families chose to relocate abroad, while others remained but dealt with persistent feelings of insecurity.
Acknowledging that the implications of these historical events continue to resonate, Tikoduadua stated that they are woven into the lived experiences and collective memory of the Indo-Fijian community. The RFMF’s recognition of these realities is seen as a crucial step toward establishing a credible reconciliation process that honors the complexities of the past while striving for a more inclusive future. This approach aims not only to recognize the pain of the past but also to heal and unify the diverse communities within Fiji moving forward.