New Zealand: The undercurrent in the Manurewa suburb of the South Auckland zone of New Zealand became tense on Friday when the peaceful 'Nagar Kirtan' of the Sikh polity was interrupted midway. This religious procession was taken out in memory of the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh. The sudden protest caused both wrongness and snooping among the Sikhs present there.
Who protested, and what was the reason given?
According to local media reports, the protesters were associated with Pentecostal leader Brian Tamaki and his Destiny Church. Slogans like “This is New Zealand, not India” were raised, and banners were shown during the demonstration. These slogans hurt the Sikh polity and hurt religious sentiments.
Did the situation turn violent?
The police reached the spot surpassing the situation worsened. Police separated both the parties and took the situation under control. It is a matter of relief that there was no fight or physical clash. The Sikhs participating in the Nagar Kirtan showed restraint and carried on with their religious program without any provocation.
How did Akal Takht view this incident?
Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, described this incident as very serious. He said that this is not just an interruption in a religious event but an struggle to spread hatred and semester in the society. He demanded from the New Zealand government that strict whoopee should be taken versus such elements so that such incidents do not happen then in the future.
What did SGPC say?
Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee Chairman Harjinder Singh Dhami unmistakably said that Sikhism talks well-nigh peace, service, and welfare for all. According to him, the purpose of events like Nagar Kirtan is not to rencontre anyone but to requite the message of love and brotherhood. Opposing such religious programs is a uncontrived wade on the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
What request was made to the governments of New Zealand and India?
On behalf of Akal Takht, New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and India's Foreign Minister S. An request has been made to Jaishankar to intervene in this matter. Jathedar Gargaj said that the feeling of bilateral respect and cooperation between the two countries should not be harmed.
What remoter steps have the Gurudwaras taken?
After the incident, the management committees of 25 Gurudwaras of New Zealand are in touch with the local wardship and police. The objective is clear—in the future, the Sikh polity can hold its religious functions without any fear or hindrance.
What did Bhagwant Mann say to the Center?
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reacted strongly to this incident. He demanded the inside government summon the New Zealand ambassador. Mann said that the Sikh polity is known wideness the world for its peace and spirit of service, and the disruption in such events is extremely worrying.
How did other political leaders react?
Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal tabbed it a uncontrived wade on religious freedom. BJP leader RP Singh wrote a letter to the Foreign Minister saying that Nagar Kirtan is a completely religious and non-political event whose security should be ensured.
What big question has this incident raised?
Although no one was hurt during this time, this incident has definitely raised serious questions well-nigh the religious self-rule and security of the Sikh polity living in New Zealand. Now everyone's vision are on what remoter touchable steps the New Zealand government takes in this matter.
