AMRITSAR, India, Dec 21 — Senior Sikh leaders on Sunday condemned opposition by a group of local residents to a Nagar Kirtan in Manurewa, South Auckland, calling the incident a threat to communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj said the opposition to the religious procession challenged not only the Sikh community but also the principles of social harmony in a multicultural society.
“Such acts create an atmosphere of hatred and endanger peaceful coexistence,” Gargaj said. “The Nagar Kirtan was organised after obtaining official permission, and it is the responsibility of the local administration to ensure the safety of participants.”
Gargaj alleged that a small group, reportedly led by controversial figure Brian Tamaki, misused local customs and traditions to provoke opposition to the Sikh event. He urged the New Zealand government to take serious note and act firmly against those attempting to disrupt harmony.
According to information shared by Sikhs in New Zealand, Gargaj said, the local Māori community continues to live in harmony with Sikhs and the incident appeared to involve only a single disruptive group.
Following the incident, management committees of 25 gurdwaras in New Zealand have remained in contact with local authorities, he said. Gargaj advised Sikh leaders in the country to engage in dialogue with government officials, local leaders and senior members of the Māori community.
“Sikhs in New Zealand should work closely with the local government to ensure a safe environment for Nagar Kirtans and other religious events in the future,” he said.
Gargaj also called on New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to give special attention to the issue.
