Divisional Police Commander Northern Senior Superintendent Shri Bhawan Singh advised parents to stay alert and keep watch over their children during Diwali.
He told parents this at last Saturday night at the Tuatua Navyuak Ramayan Mandli Diwali celebration in Labasa. He advised them to keep watch over their children not just for this Diwali but for every occasion.
Senior Superintendent Singh said: “You should know what is in your children’s school bag, what they are doing on Facebook, who are their friends, what are they doing in the room and what time they come home.
“In Fiji, children and youths getting involved in criminal activities or being a victim is our deepest concern.
“We have been receiving reports about children and youths engaged in wrong activities. You must teach them what is truth, what the right path is and what is immoral.
“This young generation is the hope for our nation, who knows one of them will be the future president of Fiji.”
He urged societies, communities and religious organisations to work together and practise peace, love and respect.
“I hope and pray that as we approach Diwali celebration we use our five senses and values at the right time and at the right place.
“I would like to urge and request you to work together with the Fiji Police Force to protect our children and people and maintain a peaceful nation,” Senior Superintendent Singh said.
Tuatua Navyuak Ramayan Mandli president Damodaran Mudaliar thanked Senior Superintendent Singh for his timely advice.
This is the first time since the establishment of the Mandli in 1992 that they had guests from different religions to be part of the celebrations.
The children of the Mandli performed cultural dances, elders and members were presented with a certificate of appreciation and mothers distributed food and sweets to commemorate Diwali.