Fijian Hindu Leaders reject Hindutva claim of preferential treatment

Thursday, July 06, 2006, FIJI Times online

THE Hindu American Foundation, controlled by Hindutva forces says Fiji should stop granting preferential treatment to members of the Christian community.

This was contained in its survey of human rights reports on a number of countries where people of Indian origin resided, including Fiji, it said. The report said Fiji Hindus continued to face a barrage of anti-Hindu speeches and criticisms and that several temples were desecrated, destroyed or looted.

It said the Methodist Church repeatedly called for the creation of a Christian State and has endorsed forceful conversion of Hindus during previous coups.

"Many Fijian leaders today perpetuate hate and intolerance against Hindus on the island," the report said.

However, a prominent Hindu religious organisation yesterday denounced the report.

The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji president Kamlesh Arya said the authors of the report did not see it fit to hold dialogue with local leaders of the various Hindu organisations in the country to ascertain the truth.

"There are occasional social thuggery, criminal intrusions, personal attacks and stealing of property but these cannot be regarded as orchestrated criminal offence against the Indian community per se in Fiji compared to Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said.

Mr Arya said they have also relayed their concerns on hate speeches and derogatory remarks by extremists and had asked the Government to take a more firm position on such matters.