Nagar Kirtan in New Zealand halted by protesters, sparks debate

A Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) organised by Nanaksar Gurdwara Sahib in the Manurewa suburb of Auckland was brought to a sudden halt following protests by members of a far-right organisation, 'The True Patriots of New Zealand'. The protesters performed Haka (a traditional ceremonial dance in Māori culture) in front of Sikh devotees and held posters stating, "Keep NZ, NZ". The incident has sparked a fresh debate on the freedom of religious identity.

Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) held by people of the Sikh faith was disrupted in New Zealand

In a public statement, the protesters claim, "If you come here, you adapt to New Zealand's ways...You don’t bring separatist agendas, religions, racial division, or foreign power struggles with you."

Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, a former Member of Parliament in New Zealand and a member of the National Party, told SBS Punjabi, "This is not the New Zealand we know."

Mr Bakshi, along with several community members, has called for unity.

This incident has since sparked discussions concerning the right to religious expression, public order, and the dynamics of protest in NZ's multicultural society.

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Nagar Kirtan in New Zealand halted by protesters, sparks debate

SBS Punjabi

08:32Panjabi

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