Barely two days after the Prime Minister assured the safety of all Fijians, another place of worship was broken into at Nasole, in Nasinu, last week.

Temple owner Indar Singh, 75,on whose private property the temple stands, was shocked. The incident took place at about 11pm on Thursday when the Singh family were asleep.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s speech was read out at another Hindu temple in Nakasi which has been subjected to repeated attacks in the past.

Deputising for the Prime Minister at the talanoa session held at the Shree Gopal Sadhu Hanumaan Gadhi Mandir was the Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Kahiyum.

In that speech, the Prime Minister assured the people that they will be kept safe and secure from religious attacks and extremism.

Mr Singh has been living in Nasole for over 45 years. He said the incident was one of the many times his property was broken into.

In 2015, Mr Singh’s house was broken into and he and his wife, Shashi Lata, were assaulted.

Mr Singh has been living in fear that his house is marked and the incident could be repeated.

“My house has been broken into many times before and I continue to face the issue,’’ Mr Singh said.

“Yesterday, our deities were destroyed and the prayer items were scattered all over the temple.

“I do not know why I am always attacked and our deities destroyed.

“I have spent a lot of money to secure my house but in vain.

“I want to know why our temples are being attacked.

“It is a place of worship for us just as they have theirs.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed the incident and said the investigations were being conducted.

“The Police Commissioner had issued the directive for officers to improve on the detection rate of robberies and burglaries so that those committing these offences can be arrested,” Ms Naisoro said.

Edited by George Kulamaiwasa

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