The Citizens' Constitutional Forum says it is shocked to learn of and strongly opposes the decision of the Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji and the Fiji Police that Hindus wishing to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna this week need to acquire a permit to do so.
The head of the CCF, the Reverend Akuila Yabaki, says the decision violates the rights of individuals to freedom of religion.
He says basing the decision on the requirements of the Public Emergency Regulation is unjustified.
The Reverend Yabaki says it must be noted that Christian church services held daily and especially on Saturday and Sundays do not require a permit.
He also says during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are not required to obtain a permit for their daily prayers.
