A Sikh religious procession in South Auckland, New Zealand, was disrupted on Sunday (December 21) after a group of local protesters blocked its route, performed the Haka dance and attempted to halt the event, prompting concerns over religious freedom and the safety of minority communities abroad.
The incident occurred during a Nagar Kirtan, a sacred Sikh procession that involves the singing of hymns from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and symbolises peace, unity and selfless service. The procession had commenced from Gurdwara Nanaksar Thath Ishar Darbar in Manurewa and was returning to the gurdwara when it was stopped mid-route.
Videos of the incident, which have since gone viral on social media, show protesters standing in front of the procession, holding placards that read, “This is New Zealand, not India.” Some of the protesters were also seen performing the Haka, a traditional Maori dance historically associated with war rituals and strong, forceful movements.
According to reports, around 30 to 35 local youths were involved in blocking the route of the Nagar Kirtan. The disruption caused temporary chaos and distress among the participants, including families, elderly devotees and children who were part of the religious procession.
Reacting strongly to the incident, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal condemned the disruption, describing it as an attack on religious freedom. In a post on X, Badal said, “Strongly condemn the disruption of the peaceful ‘Nagar Kirtan’ procession in South Auckland, New Zealand, yesterday by local protesters. Nagar Kirtan is a sacred Sikh tradition—a joyous religious parade involving the singing of hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, promoting devotion, unity, and sharing of blessings with all humanity.”
He further said that such acts of intimidation undermine the spirit of coexistence and harmony. “Such acts of intimidation threaten religious freedom and the spirit of universal brotherhood,” Badal added.
The SAD chief also urged External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to take up the matter with the New Zealand government. He appealed for assurances on the safety and religious rights of the Indian and Sikh diaspora, and called for measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
Local police reached the spot after being alerted to the disruption and intervened to de-escalate the situation. After discussions between police officials, protestors and members of the Sikh community, the group blocking the route eventually moved aside, allowing the Nagar Kirtan to continue. The procession later returned safely to the gurdwara under police supervision.
Members of the local Sikh leadership were present throughout the incident and worked closely with authorities to ensure that the situation did not escalate further. No injuries were reported, and no arrests were immediately confirmed by the authorities.
The incident has sparked unease among Sikh and other Indian diaspora communities in New Zealand, with many expressing concern over their ability to practise their faith freely and safely in public spaces. Community leaders have called for clearer safeguards and stronger enforcement to ensure that religious events are protected from disruption.
