PNG HINDUS TOLD: "We note that this [DURGA PUJA] is a form of idol worshipping which is morally inappropriate and against our Christian values. As such Approval is NOT Granted to host this event." Day later...

"I humbly seek your forgiveness for this unfortunate matter."
Papua New Guinea COVID controller David Manning

Papua New Guinea Covid controller DAVID MANNING

Papua New Guinea COVID controller David Manning issued an apology letter after a previous letter signed by him denied permission to the nation’s Hindus from holding Durga Puja, saying idol worshipping is “morally inappropriate and against Christian values”. The denial for Durga puja celebrations had sparked outrage among residents, following which Manning issued an apology letter and termed the previous statement as “grave and unfortunate error”.
"I humbly seek your forgiveness for this unfortunate matter,"

HINDUS are urging Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape to apologize for the reported derogatory comments made by PNG Constabulary Commissioner regarding goddess Durga worship and grant permission to hold the prayer event in Port Moresby within existing COVID-19 parameters and protocols.
 
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed (right photo), in a statement in Nevada (USA), said that calling prayers for goddess Durga (Durga Puja) event planned to be held in Port Moresby from October 12-17 as "morally inappropriate" by a senior PNG government official was quite disturbing for the Hindus world over.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged PNG Governor-General Robert Dadae and PM Marape to personally participate in the Durga Puja event showing their commitment for religious freedom and pluralism in PNG, and ensuring the Hindu community that its religious rights were protected. He also suggested them to send the senior government functionaries for cultural and religious sensitivity training.
 
According to reports, David Manning, MBE, Controller of National Pandemic Response and Commissioner of the Royal PNG Constabulary, in a letter to Port Moresby Durga Puja Committee dated September 18, termed prayers for goddess Durga (Durga Puja) as “morally inappropriate” and stating "As such, APPROVAL IS NOT GRANTED to host this event" (October 12-17).

There seemed to be no mention of COVID-19 risks in this denial letter. In another letter on September 29, he apologized for comments in the earlier denial letter stating: “The reason for the non-approval was based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission associated with gatherings of people”.
 
Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.2 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled; Rajan Zed noted.
 
Zed further said that existence of different faiths showed God’s generosity and bountifulness. Different religions were simply different human responses to the one ultimate Reality. Despite our seriously different traditions, we all should learn from each other and live harmoniously together in mutual trust, loyalty and peace as we were headed in the same direction, Zed stated.
 
In Hinduism, highly revered goddess Durga is considered savior of the world from evil. “Durga Puja” (worship of Durga) festival is held in her honor.

Although it does not have a state religion, the preamble to the PNG Constitution pledges “to guard and pass on to those who come after us our noble traditions and the Christian principles that are ours now”. Parliament sessions and most official government functions open and close with Christian prayer. Since 2016, the government has pursued programs to increase the partnership between churches and the state, including subsidies to churches and the establishment of church councils to assist in local governance