Indian leaders call on Centre to raise South Auckland Nagar Kirtan issue with New Zealand

Indian political leaders have urged the Union Government to engage with New Zealand authorities following reports of a disruption during a Sikh religious procession in South Auckland over the weekend.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Sunday that the matter should be taken up diplomatically with the New Zealand Government. Speaking to reporters in Dhuri, he said that people across the world have the right to practise and express their religion peacefully.

The comments relate to a Nagar Kirtan procession held in South Auckland on Saturday. Nagar Kirtan is a public religious tradition in Sikhism that includes devotional singing, community participation, and messages of unity and service.

Diplomatic appeal from Indian leaders

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also called on the Indian Government to raise the issue with New Zealand officials. In a statement posted on social media, he urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to seek assurances that the rights of the Indian diaspora are protected and similar incidents are prevented in the future.

Mr. Badal described Nagar Kirtan as a peaceful and joyous religious event rooted in Sikh teachings and said the Sikh community involved in the Auckland procession responded calmly despite the situation.

Sikh organisations respond

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee also commented on the incident. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said Sikh communities around the world have consistently contributed to social welfare, peace, and development in the countries where they live.

He said Sikh religious events promote values such as service to humanity, equality, and social harmony. Nagar Kirtans often include langars, or community kitchens, which are open to all and aim to strengthen community bonds.

Call for dialogue and restraint

Mr. Dhami appealed to both the Indian and New Zealand governments to take note of the incident and ensure that religious events can be conducted safely. He also encouraged Sikh community leaders in New Zealand to engage constructively with local authorities and community groups.

He emphasised the importance of dialogue and calm engagement to prevent further tension and uphold the principles of mutual respect in multicultural societies.

New Zealand context

New Zealand, particularly Auckland, is home to a growing Sikh population. Religious processions such as Nagar Kirtan are held periodically and typically involve coordination with local councils and police.

As of publication, New Zealand authorities have not released a detailed public statement addressing the incident.

Webfit News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as official responses emerge from New Zealand and India.

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