‘This Is Not India’: Protestors Disrupt Sikh Kirtan In New Zealand, Perform Haka

Screengrab of video going viral on social media

A Sikh religious procession in South Auckland, New Zealand, was disrupted by local protestors who blocked the route, performed the Haka dance and held placards stating, “This is New Zealand, not India,” in an effort to halt the religious event.

Reacting to the incident, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal criticised the disruption, calling it an attack on religious freedom.

The incident took place on Sunday during a Nagar Kirtan, a sacred Sikh procession marked by the singing of hymns from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The event represents peace, unity and selfless service. The procession had begun from Gurdwara Nanaksar Thath Ishar Darbar in Manurewa and was on its way back when it was stopped.

“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,” Badal wrote on X.

“Such acts of intimidation threaten religious freedom and the spirit of universal brotherhood,” Badal said.

He also appealed to External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to raise the issue with the New Zealand government to ensure the safety and religious rights of the Indian diaspora and to prevent similar incidents in the future.