‘Sikh community responded with remarkable restraint’: Punjab leader Badal writes to Jaishankar after Nagar Kirtan disrupted in New Zealand

The incident involving the disruption of a Sikh Nagar Kirtan in New Zealand, which prompted Punjab leader Badal to write to India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, brings to the fore critical aspects of diaspora relations, religious freedom, and international diplomacy. Understanding this event requires delving into its background, key players, significance for India, and broader implications.

A Nagar Kirtan is a traditional Sikh religious procession involving the ceremonial carrying of the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture) in a palanquin, accompanied by devotees singing hymns (kirtan) and distributing food (langar). These processions are vibrant expressions of Sikh faith and culture, often held on significant religious occasions like the birth anniversaries of Gurus. The Sikh diaspora is globally widespread, with significant communities in countries like New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and Australia. These communities often strive to maintain their cultural and religious practices, which sometimes leads to interactions, and occasionally friction, with local customs or other groups.

The specific details of what happened in New Zealand are not fully available, but the quick summary indicates a 'disruption' of the Nagar Kirtan, suggesting an obstruction, protest, or an act that hindered the peaceful conduct of the religious event. The critical aspect highlighted by Punjab leader Badal was the 'remarkable restraint' shown by the Sikh community in response to this disruption. This emphasis on restraint is significant as it underscores the community's commitment to peaceful conduct even when faced with provocation, reflecting Sikh values of peace and communal harmony.

Key stakeholders in this incident include, first and foremost, the **Sikh community in New Zealand**. They are the direct participants and affected party, whose religious freedom and right to peaceful assembly were potentially challenged. Their response of 'restraint' also positions them as a responsible and law-abiding community. Secondly, **Punjab leader Badal** represents a political voice from India, specifically from Punjab, a state with deep cultural and historical ties to the Sikh faith. His letter to the EAM signifies the interconnectedness of the diaspora with their ancestral homeland and the expectation that the Indian government will advocate for their rights abroad. Thirdly, **India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)** are crucial. The MEA is the nodal agency for India's foreign policy and diaspora affairs, responsible for protecting the interests of Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) globally. Their role involves diplomatic engagement with the host country to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of the Indian diaspora. Lastly, the **Government of New Zealand and its local authorities** are also key stakeholders, as they bear the primary responsibility for ensuring law and order, upholding religious freedom for all communities within their borders, and investigating any incidents of disruption.

This incident matters significantly for India for several reasons. It underscores the importance of **diaspora diplomacy**, a cornerstone of India's foreign policy, especially given the estimated 32 million NRIs and PIOs worldwide. India actively engages with its diaspora through initiatives like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and various consular services, viewing them as crucial bridges for cultural exchange, economic investment, and soft power projection. When such incidents occur, they test India's commitment to protecting its citizens and communities abroad. The incident also touches upon India's **soft power** and its image on the global stage. How Indian communities are treated abroad often reflects on India's standing and influences bilateral relations. Ensuring religious freedom for its diaspora is a matter of principle for India, aligning with its own constitutional values. While the Indian Constitution's **Article 25** guarantees freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion *within India*, this domestic commitment informs India's advocacy for similar rights for its diaspora globally. Furthermore, **Article 51** of the Indian Constitution directs the state to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, which often include human rights conventions like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), whose **Article 18** protects freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

Historically, Indian migration, particularly of Sikhs, to Western countries began over a century ago, driven by economic opportunities and, at times, political circumstances. The Indian government has increasingly prioritized diaspora engagement since the early 2000s, recognizing their immense contribution. Looking ahead, this incident will likely prompt the MEA to engage diplomatically with New Zealand authorities, seeking assurances of protection for the Sikh community and other Indian diaspora members. It also serves as a reminder for host countries like New Zealand to ensure robust mechanisms for protecting religious freedom and promoting inter-community harmony. For India, it reiterates the continuous need to strengthen its diaspora outreach and protection policies, ensuring that the rights and dignity of its global family are upheld, contributing to a stronger and more confident India on the world stage.