4 Sep 2019

Fiji Hindu leader warns against witchcraft following deaths

3:43 pm on 4 September 2019

Fiji's National Secretary for Sanatan Dharam, Pratinidhi Sabha, says the Hindu community is shocked and saddened by the recent deaths of five family members in the Nausori Highlands.

Police investigators in the Nausori Highlands following the deaths of  five members of the same family.

Police investigators in the Nausori Highlands following the deaths of five members of the same family. Photo: Facebook/ Fiji Police

Vigyan Sharma said Hindus throughout Fiji have prayed for the souls of the deceased and are extending their support to surviving family members.

There have been reports in local media the person of interest to police may practise witchcraft and the deceased family had previously sort his help for pain.

He said some people in Fiji do believe in witchcraft, but it is not part of the Hindu religion and so-called witch doctors are usually asking for money.

"I advise that the people should believe in God and not witchcraft or witchcraft doctors. They are humans, they are not our God. So, believe in God, not in witchcraft and in any malpractices, anyone is doing. It is better to pray directly to God than to trust in these kinds of witchdoctors."

Vigyan Sharma said it is common for people of the Hindu religion to gather regularly in small groups throughout Fiji to pray and recite scriptures.

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