AMRITSAR: Sukhbir Singh Badal president Shiromani Akali Dal has strongly condemn the disruption of the peaceful ‘Nagar Kirtan’ procession in South Auckland, New Zealand, yesterday by local protesters and said that Nagar Kirtan is a sacred Sikh tradition—a joyous religious parade involving the singing of hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, promoting devotion, unity, and sharing of blessings with all humanity.
In a message on tweeter he said "I am glad to note that the Sikh community responded with remarkable restraint and peace despite provocation—true to Guru Sahib’s teachings of ‘Chardi kala’ and ‘Sarbat Da Bhala’. Such intimidation threatens religious freedom and the spirit of universal brotherhood. He urged External Affairs Minister to raise this matter with the New Zealand govt and ensure strong measures are taken to protect the rights of the Indian diaspora and prevent the recurrence of such incidents.