Another Hindu temple attacked

[posted 18 April 2005, 1300]

Another Hindu temple was attacked in the week-end, making it the third to be desecrated this month as Hindus celebrate Ram Navmi.

Kabir Panth temple in Kinoya, Nasinu was vandalised by seven drunk men in the week-end and Holy books torn up. Some have gone missing.

The attack has prompted strong reaction from Hindu religious societies condemning government's lack of action. The Sanatan Dharam has described the attacks as "ungodly".

Kamlesh Arya, president of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha said freedom of religion was enshrined in the Constitution and this freedom must be respected. The frequent attacks show mounting disrespect for other people's religion, he said.

Police statistics show 48 acts of sacrilege committed last year. Although, the crime is serious carrying a maximum prison term of 14 years, no one has been charged for these crimes.

Meanwhile, the use of a gun in a daring robbery at a Suva supermarket on Saturday evening has raised concern.

The manager of New World supermarket at Nasinu was held at gunpoint and forced to hand over $50,000 while his staff were threatened by 10 masked men carrying cane knives and crowbars.

The staff were attacked and suffered physical damage when they refused to divulge where the cash was stored.

Later, the men threw stones and bottles at Police when they arrived on the scene.