Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj and SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami urged the New Zealand and Indian governments to ensure a safe and supportive environment for the Sikh community to observe religious traditions, emphasising dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
Terming the incident, a challenge to the Sikh community and to social and communal harmony, Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargaj said such acts threaten peaceful coexistence in society.
He stated that a group of individuals—reportedly led by Brian Tamaki, a controversial leader—deliberately misused local customs and traditions to create a hateful atmosphere and challenge the Sikh community.
Gargaj urged the New Zealand government to take serious note and act firmly against those attempting to disrupt communal harmony.
He highlighted that Nagar Kirtans are organised only after official permissions, making it the responsibility of local authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment.
According to information from Sikhs in New Zealand, the local Māori community lives in harmony with Sikhs, and the incident appears to be the work of a single mischievous group.
Following the incident, management committees of 25 gurdwaras in New Zealand have been in continuous contact with local authorities. Jathedar Gargaj asked the Sikh leaders in New Zealand to engage in dialogue with government officials, local leaders, and senior Māori community members to explain Sikh values and traditions.
“Sikhs in New Zealand should work with the local government to ensure a safe environment for Nagar Kirtans and other religious events in the future,” he said.
The Jathedar also called on New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to give special attention to the matter and ensure that mischievous elements do not harm cooperation and harmony between the two countries and communities.
Expressing deep concern, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said the Sikh community has always made an exemplary contribution to global welfare, peace, tolerance, and progress. Despite this, viewing Sikh religious traditions through a lens of hatred is highly condemnable.
He appealed to the governments of New Zealand and India to ensure a safe and supportive environment for Sikhs to observe their religious events in accordance with their religious rights. He emphasised that religious freedom and mutual respect are the hallmarks of any multicultural society.
Dhami also urged leading Sikhs in New Zealand to engage in dialogue with the local government and opposing groups to resolve the issue amicably.