Outrage as protesters block Sikh religious procession in Auckland

A Sikh ‘nagar kirtan’ (religious procession) in South Auckland, New Zealand, was briefly interrupted on Saturday after a group of local protesters blocked the route and confronted participants, sparking debate over religious freedom, multiculturalism and public order in the Pacific nation.

The incident occurred in Manurewa, a suburb of Auckland, during a ‘nagar kirtan’ organised by the Nanaksar Sikh Temple. Videos circulating online show members of a group calling itself the True Patriots of NZ — linked to Pentecostal preacher Brian Tamaki and the Destiny Church — positioning themselves along Great South Road and performing a traditional Maori haka in front of the marchers, effectively bringing the procession to a halt.

Protesters carried banners declaring ‘This is New Zealand, not India’ and wore shirts with slogans such as ‘Kiwis first’ and ‘Keep NZ NZ’, while chanting religious slogans including ‘One True God’ and ‘Jesus, Jesus’, according to reports. Police were present throughout the encounter and stood between the two sides to prevent any escalation. No arrests or injuries have been reported.

Related news: Outrage as protesters block Sikh religious procession in Auckland

Organisers of the ‘nagar kirtan’ said the event had been authorised by local authorities. The interruption, they said, was unexpected and concerning.

Meanwhile, Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj and SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami urged the New Zealand and Indian governments to ensure a safe and supportive environment for the Sikh community to observe religious traditions, emphasising dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Terming the incident, a challenge to communal peace, Jathedar Gargaj said such acts threatened peaceful coexistence in society.

Take up issue with NZ: Mann to Centre

CM Bhagwant Mann urged the Centre to take up the issue of “disruption” of a peaceful nagar kirtan in South Auckland with the government of New Zealand. He said everyone had the right to propagate their religion.

Challenge to social harmony: Jathedar

Terming the incident a challenge to social and communal harmony, Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargaj said such acts threatened peaceful coexistence in society. He urged the govts to ensure a safe environment for Sikhs.