A Khalistan 'Janamat' car rally was held in New Zealand on 19 October 2024. An initiative by US-based Sikh activists recommending an independent homeland for Sikhs in India to hold a referendum in Auckland is being closely watched by the New Zealand government.
Avtar Singh Pannu, president of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), now in New Zealand, is visiting gurudwaras in Auckland to gather support for an unofficial, non-binding 'referendum'.
He also led a car rally in Auckland on 19 October that went from Takanini to the temporary premises of the Indian Consulate in Eden Terrace, during which protesters allegedly engaged in hate speech and insulted the Indian national flag.
Formed in 2007 in the US by Pannu and his brother Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, SFJ has organized 'Janamat' in several cities in several countries including Australia, UK and Canada. Now he has proposed to hold such a referendum rally in Auckland on November 17.
NewImpact on Zealand-India relations India has designated Gurpatwant as a terrorist and banned the SFJ under its terrorism laws. The issue is therefore of importance with potential consequences for New Zealand-India relations, which have seen a major upswing in recent months, prompting the government to respond.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) said on Thursday (October 24) that we are aware of the so-called 'referendum' by a non-governmental organisation. New Zealand is a strong supporter of human rights, including freedom of speech at home and around the world if such initiatives are lawful and peaceful.
When asked about the government's view on the demand for a separate state included in the 'referendum', the MFAT spokesperson said, New Zealand recognizes India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
NZICA protests, hate speech and desecration of the Indian flag Meanwhile, the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA), one of New Zealand's oldest Indian organizations (founded in 1926), approached Police Minister Mark Mitchell and complained about police inaction while protesters of the Khalistan car rally engaged in illegal parking, hate speech and desecration of the Indian flag.
NZICA has an office on the premises, outside of which the protest took place Association president Narendra Bhana said, “This act of humiliation is not only an insult to a national symbol, but also a gross insult to the Indian community in New Zealand.”
He told RNZ on Friday (October 25) that police had since clarified to him that they had no authority to stop protesters from burning the flag or disrespecting it.
Police are unable to intervene until protesters start damaging or damaging property, Bhana said. I have been assured that the Police Minister will arrange a meeting next week to address the issue.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, New Zealand's first Indian-born MLA, served as a national MP from 2008 to 2020. (RNZ Photo by Blessen Tom)
Mitchell declined to comment further while confirming NZICA's letter “I can confirm that my office has received a letter from NZICA dated 24 October,” he said. A response is currently being prepared, and they can expect to receive it soon. Police have complete operational independence, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on their operational decisions.
Given the ongoing diplomatic stand-off between India and Canada on the issue, experts have also weighed in on what the proposed referendum means for New Zealand-India relations.
India is also watching. Relations between the two countries are at a new low, with tensions rising over the expulsion of top diplomats and the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada.
David Key, director of the Center for Strategic Studies at Victoria University in Wellington, argued that India should closely monitor developments in Auckland.
KP said, I am sure that the plebiscite will be watched very closely in Delhi. If we see any sign of any kind of official blessing for pro-Ashanti or pro-Khalistan groups, Indian officials will no doubt raise the issue with their New Zealand counterparts, but I don't think either side wants this to be a big issue right now.
Territorial integrity is not a majority view Former National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, who boasts of being New Zealand's first Indian-born MLA, further pointed out that the proposed referendum on Khalistan would damage New Zealand-India relations, especially given India's clear position on the issue, its territorial integrity majority view. not
He said it was important to recognize that this referendum did not represent the views of the majority of Sikhs in New Zealand. A small section influenced by external forces is driving this agenda. New Zealand should not let this affect its diplomatic relations with India.
He said, for most Sikhs in New Zealand, the issue of Khalistan is of no importance. The Sikh community here is primarily focused on building a successful life in New Zealand while maintaining cultural and religious ties with India.
“My understanding is that the referendum has minimal support from the Sikh community in New Zealand, particularly in Auckland,” Bakshi said. The push for this referendum is driven primarily by a small and vocal minority, some of whom may be influenced by forces outside New Zealand and India. The wider New Zealand public has little interest or involvement in this issue and should be understood in that context.
Another community organization, CSNZIA, also shared similar views Past President Rupinder Virk said, Our association was founded in 1926 and represents all Indians living in New Zealand. Obviously, we do not support people who disrespect the Indian national flag. We do not support any extremism or discrimination, especially if it is against India.
RNZ made several attempts to contact Sikhs for Justice and its president Avtar Singh Pannun, but all calls, messages and emails went unanswered. The Indian High Commission did not respond to a request for comment on the matter.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
