Sikh leaders demand government intervention over opposition to Nagar Kirtan in New Zealand

Expressing deep anxiety over the issue, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the Sikh community has always made an exemplary contribution to the welfare, peace, tolerance and progress of the global community. Despite this, viewing Sikh religious traditions through a lens of hatred is highly condemnable. Dhami said that the foundation of Sikhism rests on the principles of Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all), brotherhood and service to humanity. Nagar Kirtan is a sacred religious tradition of the Sikh faith that conveys a message of mutual harmony, love and unity in society. Opposing such religious events is a direct attack on the universal message of the Sikh Gurus. He further stated that the Sikh community, spread across various countries around the world, has always lived in harmony with local populations and consistently respected the laws and cultures of the countries they reside in. Through langar (community kitchen food) and selfless service during Sikh religious events, a message of service to humanity is conveyed, which strengthens social cohesion. He appealed to the governments of New Zealand and India to take serious note of the matter and ensure a safe and supportive environment for the Sikh community.He emphasised that religious freedom and mutual respect are the true hallmarks of any multicultural society. Dhami also urged leading Sikhs in New Zealand to engage in dialogue with the local government and the people opposing the event to discuss the issue amicably. He said that efforts should be made to resolve the matter in the light of the teachings of the Sikh Gurus and that an atmosphere of bitterness should be avoided. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Brian Tamaki wrote, “New Zealanders are right to be concerned. This is what played out on our Manurewa streets in Auckland yesterday. This is a mass invasion, via mass immigration, flooding into our land. Amongst these Sikhs were a strong contingent flying the Khalistan flags. The Khalistan movement is a terrorist Sikh political movement, linked overseas to terrorist violence and instability. They call out on Auckland streets for Modi to be killed. Their symbols and activism are now being openly displayed here in New Zealand…with no scrutiny and no accountability. NZ Police do nothing. Our politicians are even defending them.”



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