Fiji unionist's home arson target

Date: 13 June 2000

THUGS tried to burn down the home of trade unionist Diwan Shankar in Suva but were foiled by neighbours who alerted police, the Fiji website, Fijilive, has just reported.

Diwan Shankar arrived at his Samabula home to see the living room partly burnt.

"My neighbours saw six men in the yard and then later saw smoke coming out of the windows with the curtains on fire.

"This is when they alerted the police and fire station," he said.

Diwan Shankar will be in Australia in two weeks time to speak to the Australian Council of Trade Unions Congress about the Fijian crisis.

During the national Congress he will address a special fund-raising dinner to raise money to support the Fiji TUC's work.

Mr Shankar praised the actions of the police. "A police officer broke down the front door filled some pots with water and put the flames out," he said.

Mr Shankar said this fire will not stop him from fighting for democracy.

"From day one of the People's Coalition government takeover they have been threatening us.

"I am still not moved. As long as I am alive, the fight will still be on," he said.

Yesterday the smell of kerosene was evident in the
home, and there were puddles of the inflammable fluid in places.

It is likely that kerosene was thrown through the
windows as the curtains were heavily drenched with it and there was no sign of forced entry.

"I had come home earlier, fed my dog, and left to visit some people, leaving the windows open," he said.

Mr Shankar's bed, just beside the windows, was soaked with kerosene. Police took bottles of kerosene from around Mr Shankar's compound.

Inspector Sera Bernard said the police are investigating.

Army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini said the incident occurred about
7.20pm.

"Neighbours saw some boys peeping through the windows and assumed the house was being broken into," he said.

By the time the police arrived, the house was burning, and the young men had fled.

For further information

Contact:	Andrew Casey
Union:	Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union
Phone:	9281 9511
Fax:	92821 4480
Email:	Andrewc@lhmu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.lhmu.org.au

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