Wellington. Local protesters stood in the path of the procession to stop a Sikh religious procession in South Auckland, New Zealand. The protesters were holding banners in their hands, on which it was written – This is New Zealand, not India. Sikh groups have condemned the incident as an attack on religious freedom. According to media reports, this incident happened during Nagar Kirtan on Sunday. The procession started from Gurudwara Nanaksar Thath Ishwar Darbar in Manurewa. When the procession was returning, it was stopped. There is resentment among Sikh groups due to this incident.
According to the report, on the incident, Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal has called it an attack on religious freedom. Badal wrote on X- I strongly condemn the disruption of the peaceful city kirtan procession by local protesters in South Auckland, New Zealand yesterday. Nagar Kirtan is a sacred Sikh tradition – it is a joyous religious procession in which hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib are sung, promoting devotion, unity and blessing to all humanity.
According to reports, a group of local youth arrived with banners and blocked the path of the procession. During this he danced Haka. The Haka is a traditional Māori dance that historically demonstrated war rituals and strong physical movements. During this time the police reached the spot and intervened to control the situation. After talks the protesters dispersed, after which the procession proceeded and reached the Gurudwara safely. The incident has raised concerns among the Sikh community living in New Zealand about the safety of their religious faith.
Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal appealed to Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take up the issue with the New Zealand government, which can ensure the safety and religious rights of the Indian community and prevent such incidents in future. Badal said such acts of bullying are a threat to religious freedom and the spirit of universal brotherhood.
