Published: January 11, 2026

Chandigarh – The repeated disruptions of peaceful Sikh Nagar Kirtans in New Zealand have drawn sharp criticism from Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who described the incidents as “deeply concerning” and called on the Indian government to engage with New Zealand authorities to protect the religious freedom of the Sikh diaspora. Badal’s comments came on Sunday following reports of yet another disturbance during a Nagar Kirtan procession in Tauranga, continuing a series of incidents that have alarmed Sikh leaders both in India and abroad.

In a post on social media platform X, Badal expressed his concern over the ongoing disruptions and emphasized the sacred and unifying nature of Nagar Kirtans. “The repeated disruptions of peaceful Sikh Nagar Kirtans in New Zealand, including the latest incident today in Tauranga, are deeply concerning,” he wrote. He urged the Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, to take the matter up diplomatically with the New Zealand government, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and freedom of religious expression for Sikhs abroad.

Nagar Kirtans, which are religious processions central to Sikh faith and culture, involve the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, carrying the holy scripture through communities, and performing acts of community service such as langar, the free distribution of food. These processions are intended not only to celebrate the Sikh faith but also to promote peace, unity, and the message of “Sarbat Da Bhala”—welfare and well-being for all humanity. Badal highlighted that the Sikh community has consistently demonstrated restraint and commitment to non-violence, even in the face of intimidation or provocation.

The most recent disruption in Tauranga follows a similar incident last month in south Auckland, where a Nagar Kirtan procession was reportedly obstructed by local protesters. Following that event, Badal had publicly appealed to the Indian government to intervene and engage with New Zealand authorities to prevent future disturbances. He described such acts of intimidation as direct threats to religious freedom and the spirit of universal brotherhood that Sikhism espouses.

Badal’s remarks also underscore the broader concerns of the Sikh diaspora in countries where they form minority communities. Despite being spread across various nations, Sikhs have traditionally maintained harmonious relationships with local populations, respecting local laws and cultural practices while celebrating their own religious traditions. Nagar Kirtans, in particular, are celebrated with the aim of sharing spiritual teachings, fostering community service, and promoting social cohesion through acts of selflessness and charity.

Earlier, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami reinforced the significance of Nagar Kirtans in Sikh culture, emphasizing that Sikhism is rooted in the principles of “Sarbat Da Bhala,” universal brotherhood, and service to humanity. In a statement following the south Auckland incident, Dhami condemned acts that disrupt these processions, noting that opposing such events is effectively an attack on the universal message of the Sikh Gurus.

Dhami highlighted that Nagar Kirtans convey an enduring message of harmony, love, and unity, and the conduct of these religious events by the Sikh community abroad reflects a longstanding commitment to coexistence with local populations. Through community meals and charitable services conducted during these processions, the Sikh community conveys a spirit of human service and social responsibility, which strengthens the fabric of local societies.

The recurring disturbances have prompted Sikh leaders to appeal to both the New Zealand and Indian governments to ensure that the Sikh diaspora can freely and safely observe their religious rights. Badal stressed that it is the responsibility of host nations to protect minority communities and ensure that religious expressions, which are peaceful and inclusive, are not hindered by local opposition or targeted intimidation. He also reaffirmed that the Shiromani Akali Dal stands firmly with the global Sikh community in advocating for religious freedom and respect for sacred traditions.

Reports indicate that these disruptions, while relatively localized, have wider implications for international perceptions of minority rights and religious freedom. They also highlight the vulnerability of minority communities in foreign nations, where misunderstandings or prejudices can sometimes escalate into public disturbances. By urging diplomatic intervention, Badal seeks not only immediate protection for Sikh processions but also long-term assurances that cultural and religious practices will be respected in accordance with international human rights norms.

The New Zealand incidents have ignited discussions within the Sikh community worldwide about the challenges of practicing religious traditions while living abroad. Leaders emphasize that vigilance, dialogue with authorities, and adherence to lawful conduct are essential to maintaining both safety and the sanctity of religious events. At the same time, they stress the need for host governments to recognize the positive contributions of minority communities, such as Sikhs, whose religious celebrations often include acts of service, charity, and engagement with the broader society.

Badal’s call for diplomatic engagement with New Zealand reflects a growing trend among Indian political leaders to safeguard the rights and welfare of the diaspora, particularly in matters related to religious expression. Such interventions are often framed not only as protective measures but also as affirmations of India’s commitment to pluralism, multiculturalism, and the global promotion of human rights. In this context, the repeated disruptions of Nagar Kirtans are not merely local incidents; they symbolize challenges that minority communities can face in international contexts and the need for structured, institutional responses.

The Sikh community in New Zealand, as elsewhere in the diaspora, continues to practice its religious traditions with dedication and respect for local norms. Nagar Kirtans are planned months in advance, coordinated with local authorities, and conducted with a focus on public safety, inclusivity, and outreach. Despite these efforts, incidents like those in Tauranga and Auckland underscore the persistent risks of miscommunication, protest, or confrontation, which can inadvertently affect the ability of minority communities to exercise their fundamental rights.

Moving forward, Sikh leaders, including Badal and SGPC authorities, are likely to maintain engagement with diplomatic channels to ensure that future events are safeguarded. Their advocacy emphasizes not only the immediate security of religious processions but also the broader principle that peaceful religious expression should be protected worldwide. This aligns with the values of Sikhism itself, which promotes respect, service, and universal brotherhood, regardless of geographic or cultural boundaries.

In conclusion, the repeated disruptions of Sikh Nagar Kirtans in New Zealand have raised serious concerns among community leaders in India and abroad. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal has called for urgent diplomatic intervention by the Indian government to protect religious freedom for Sikhs abroad. Leaders highlight the sacred, peaceful, and community-oriented nature of Nagar Kirtans, which reflect the core values of Sikhism and contribute positively to local societies. The incidents underscore the importance of safeguarding minority religious practices internationally, ensuring that all communities can celebrate their faith safely, without intimidation or obstruction.

The coming weeks are expected to see continued advocacy by Indian leaders and Sikh authorities, both to resolve the immediate issues in New Zealand and to establish long-term assurances for the global Sikh diaspora. By drawing attention to these incidents, Badal and other leaders aim to reinforce the principle that religious expression must remain a protected right for all communities, wherever they may reside.