Consumer Council chief executive Seema Shandil said panic buying could worsen the situation by draining local reserves faster than they can be replenished.

The victim was taken to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, where he remains admitted in critical condition.

Under current laws the Republic of Fiji Military Forces mainly operates in a supporting role to civilian authorities.

In one area alone, three incidents were reported within a week, causing widespread connectivity outages.

The application was submitted by Mr Ravindran Kumaran, Founding Member and General Secretary of the proposed party, and current independent opposition MP Ketan Lal.

The meeting brought together resource owners from Fiji’s 14 provinces and Rotuma, along with government agencies, Provincial Conservation Officers and other key stakeholders.