Religious break-ins Chand new acting permanent not ill will, says Pio secretary
THE recent break-ins into religious temples and mosques in the Western Division do not appear to be motivated by religious ill-will or antagonism, says Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua.
“They are simple opportunistic attempts to steal money from places that the burglars believe are less secure than homes and businesses,” he said at a news conference yesterday, basing his comments on advice from police.
“They watch people’s movements and they try to work out when things of value are vulnerable to theft.
“So the police have met with officials of the affected religious organisations to see how they can take common sense measures to avoid repeats of these break-ins.”
He reassured Fijians that the incidents had his personal attention.
He also urged leaders not to sensationalise or use the situation for political rhetoric or to cause alarm between religious organisations.
Three cases of alleged sacrilege at Hindu temples in Nadi and Lautoka have been recorded by police over the past few days.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Itendra Nair urged temples storing large sums of money to contact police so steps could be taken to secure the offerings in a safe place.
He said opportunists have little to no regard and respect for places of worship when they know there is something valuable that can be stolen, which include cash, sound systems, and other valuables.
PARMESH Chand has been appointed the acting permanent secretary for Civil Service and Public Enterprises.
The former PS in that role, Susan Kiran, was moved to the Cabinet office and named the secretary to Cabinet. Mr Chand was also a former permanent secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office when former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama was in office.