Lok Sabha Question No. 1345 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Attack on Sikh Procession in New Zealand
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1345

ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026

ATTACK ON SIKH PROCESSION IN NEW ZEALAND

1345. SMT. HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

(a)   whether   the   Government   is   aware   of   the   recent   incident   in Tauranga, New Zealand, in which a Sikh Nagar Kirtan organised to mark the Parkash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji was confronted and disrupted by a local group, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether this was the second such incident within a short span of time following an earlier disruption of a Sikh Nagar Kirtan in South Auckland and if so, the details thereof;

(c)   whether   the   Government   has   taken   up   these   incidents diplomatically   with   the   Government   of   New   Zealand   in   view   of concerns expressed by Sikh organisations and political leaders that such acts pose a threat to religious freedom and the security of the Indian diaspora, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government to safeguard the right to peaceful   religious   processions   and   observances   by   Indian-origin communities abroad and monitor and respond to emerging patterns of   hate   speech,   xenophobia   and   targeted   disruption   of   religious events?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a) Yes, It has come to our notice that a Nagar Kirtan organized by 'Gurudwara Sikh Sangat' located on Burrows St. Tauranga, New Zealand   was   allegedly   disrupted   by   a   group   named   'The   True Patriots of New Zealand'. The group is known for its strong social conservatism   and   said   to   be   linked   to   Destiny   Church,   a   New Zealand Christian group (described as a Church) and describes itself as 'Guardians of the Kiwi Way of Life; Defenders of Faith, Flag & Family'.

The Nagar Kirtan had been organized with prior approval from the Tauranga City Council, and advance information was provided to the local law enforcement authorities in New Zealand. The New Zealand Police   was   on   the   spot   and   procession   continued   without   any confrontation with the protesters.

(b) Yes, On December 20, 2025, a Nagar Kirtan, organized by the Sikh community from Nanaksar Gurudwara, in Manurewa, Auckland was also confronted by the same group named 'The True Patriots of New Zealand'. The group comprising of around 50 people performed a haka (a form kind of protest). However, after the intervention of the New Zealand Police, the protesters were escorted out from the area, and the Nagar Kirtan was allowed to continue safely.

(c) & (d) Yes, the Government of India has taken up this issue with the Government of New Zealand. The High Commission of India in Wellington   maintains   close   contact   with   the   local   community leaders, including those from the Sikh community to ensure their security and well being. Following both incidents, the New Zealand Police has held meetings with the Nagar Kirtan organizers, local Sikh community leaders and High Commission of  India assuring them of full cooperation.

*****