Auckland: In New Zealand, a Sikh Nagar Kirtan faced protests from local residents linked to a church, though the procession was not stopped. During the demonstration, some protesters performed the haka dance on the streets and questioned who had authorized the procession and why swords were being carried. They also opposed the display of Sikh symbols and flags and shouted slogans against the Sikh community.
The Nagar Kirtan, organized by members of the Sikh community in Tauranga, followed religious ceremonies at the Gurdwara Sikh Sangat, where the Akhand Path Sahib concluded. The procession began at around 11 am and continued peacefully until 2 pm, moving along Cameron Road. Police had arranged security measures to prevent disturbances, and Sikh volunteers urged participants to remain in their designated areas. Despite attempts to disrupt the event, the Sikh community continued the procession without responding to provocations.
A similar incident occurred 20 days earlier in Manurewa, South Auckland, where a group from the local Māori community blocked a Nagar Kirtan as it was returning to the Gurdwara. Police intervened to control the situation, and the Sikh participants remained calm. After some time, the protesters moved aside, allowing the procession to continue.
Sikh leaders have strongly condemned these attempts to disrupt Nagar Kirtans, calling them a threat to social and community harmony. Giani Kuldeep Singh Gurgajj, Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, appealed to the governments of New Zealand and India to ensure a safe and supportive environment for the Sikh community to celebrate traditional festivals. He described the incidents as a challenge to the Sikh community and broader social unity, urging Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters of New Zealand, along with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, to take note of the matter.
