Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday (December 21, 2025) urged the Centre to take up with New Zealand government the issue of "disruption" of a peaceful Nagar Kirtan procession in south Auckland.
On being asked about the issue, Mr. Mann told reporters in Dhuri that the Centre should take up the matter with the New Zealand government.
On the Nagar Kirtan procession that was taken out in south Auckland on Saturday (December 20, 2025), he said everyone has the right to propagate their religion.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader also said Punjabis are hardworking and wherever they go, they contribute to the development of that place.
Mr. Badal urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to raise the matter with the New Zealand government and ensure that strong measures are taken to protect the rights of the Indian diaspora and prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
