Nagar Kirtan disrupted by locals in New Zealand
Harjinder Singh Basiala
Auckland (New Zealand), December 20, 2025 —A Nagar Kirtan in New Zealand was briefly disrupted on Saturday after a local group staged a protest during the religious procession.
According to information available, a protest was performed in front of the ongoing Nagar Kirtan, while a social media post related to the incident read: “Let New Zealand be New Zealand — this is our land. This is our stand.”
As reported by Harjinder Singh Basiala, the decorated Nagar Kirtan, which had commenced from Gurdwara Nanaksar Thath Ishar Darbar, Manurewa, was returning to the gurdwara when, at its final stage, around 30–35 young men from a local group arrived from one side. The group raised slogans and briefly blocked the route of the procession.
Despite the provocation, the Sikh congregation maintained restraint and peace. Several leaders of the Sikh community were present at the spot. Police personnel also intervened, advising all sides to avoid any form of confrontation.
Sikh leader S. Sunny Singh said the situation was handled with maturity, noting that any heated exchange could have worsened the atmosphere. Additional police later reached the scene, after which the group was moved aside and the Nagar Kirtan proceeded and concluded peacefully.