Publicly messing with Sikhs! Nagar Kirtan stopped in the middle of the road, written on the poster – ‘This is not India’

New Delhi. There was tension on the streets of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, when a peaceful Sikh Nagar Kirtan was stopped midway by a radical group of protesters. This incident was carried out by supporters of ‘Destiny Church’ leader Brian Tamaki. The protesting youth not only blocked the way for the Sikhs but also waved posters in their hands on which it was written, “This is New Zealand, not India.” An attempt was made to disrupt the religious event through this inflammatory comment and aggressive ‘Haka’ dance.

This reaction of the Sikhs has impressed the local citizens of New Zealand and the international community. People on social media are calling it the disgusting face of racism. At the same time, the values ​​of ‘service and simran’ shown by the Sikhs are being highly appreciated. This incident has once again sparked a new debate on multiculturalism and religious freedom.

If there is a humanitarian crisis in any corner of the world, the ‘Sikh community’ is seen to be the first to help. The Auckland incident reflects the fanaticism of only a small group, but the restraint of the Sikhs in response to it is a testament to their global strength. Today, the stature of Sikhs is very high in the politics and economy of countries like Canada, Britain, America and Australia. They have not merely remained refugees or migrants but have made significant contributions to the development of these countries. The Sikh community has established the principle of ‘Sarbat da Bhala’ (good for all) globally. Be it langar service in war-torn Ukraine or helping with oxygen and food across the world during COVID-19, Sikhs have made their mark as saviors. This is why sporadic incidents like the one in Auckland fail to shake their roots.