– says no religious claim can justify harm

THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has condemned the killing of young Orlando Jaikaran, calling for a thorough investigation and the harshest penalties under the law for anyone found responsible. The organisation said it was horrified by the alleged involvement of the child’s father and a person described as a pujari.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Sabha said no claim of religious authority, ritual or spiritual practice can justify cruelty, abuse or murder. It extended condolences to the child’s siblings, relatives and all who loved him.
The Sabha said Hinduism upholds ahimsa, the principle of nonviolence and non-harm, along with reverence for life. It said anyone who uses religion as a guise to commit or encourage such acts “violates humanity,” and that such brutality has no place in the faith and must never be excused in the name of any religion.
The organisation urged members of the public not to seek out or trust individuals who use religion or faith to promote harmful practices, exploit fear or demand acts of violence. Any suggestion that a person must be harmed as part of a ritual should be rejected and reported to the police immediately, it said, adding that religious standing must never shield anyone from scrutiny or accountability.
Sabha President, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said the child’s death had “shaken us deeply.”
“No belief, no suspicion, no claim of spiritual power can ever justify harming a child,” Dr Persaud said. “We must be unequivocal as a society: this cruelty cannot be condoned, defended or concealed. I call for the full force of the law to be applied and the harshest lawful penalties for those found responsible.”
She asked the public to join the Sabha in prayer for the child’s soul and for his siblings and family. “Our responsibility to protect children must be reflected in what we do—by speaking up, reporting danger and refusing to turn away when a child needs us,” she said.
The Sabha said it stands with all who mourn Orlando, adding: “May his soul find eternal peace.”