A US citizen working for an organisation India has banned for spreading Khalistani terrorism has travelled to Auckland and is accused of fuelling hate that has disturbed the Kiwi-Indian community lately.
Avtar Singh Pannu, a member of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) that is banned by the Indian government, arrived in New Zealand a few days back and has been canvassing across religious places, RNZ reported on October 26.
His activities in the country come within days after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi as part of his efforts to get stronger trade and diplomatic relations going between the two countries.
Such unfettered politicking by a foreign national on New Zealand soil has left many Kiwi-Indian community leaders wondering how the police have let the saga unfold unchecked.
Pannu is accused of stoking hate against India. He was involved in a Sikh separatist rally on October 19 outside one of Indian diaspora’s most prestigious institutions in the country, the Mahatma Gandhi Centre.
The NZ Police has been accused of doing nothing to stop the inciteful gathering where a group of people tore the Indian national flag and chanted hateful slogans, diaspora leaders have said in a written complaint to Police Minister Mark Mitchell on October 23.
In their complaint to Mitchell, the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) has alleged the police failed to intervene despite what it says were three counts of clear violations–illegal parking, hate speech and desecration of the national flag of India.
“The inaction of the Police in these instances is deeply disappointing and raises questions about the enforcement of the rule of law,” President Narendra Bhana says in the complaint.
“It is vital that law enforcement takes a firm stance against hate speech, unlawful behaviour, and the desecration of national symbols.”
Bhana is urging the police minister to launch a “thorough investigation into these matters”. He points out the same group is planning another protest on November 2 outside the Mahatma Gandhi Centre.
“I request an urgent meeting with the police to discuss their plan of action to ensure that the aforementioned incidents do not occur again during this upcoming protest,” the complaint reads.
“New Zealand takes pride in its inclusivity and respect for diversity. Allowing such actions to go unchecked undermines these values and erodes the trust the community places in our Police force. I look forward to your response and hope for decisive action in addressing these serious concerns.”
RNZ quoted a New Zealand foreign affairs official as saying they are aware of “the so-called 'referendum' by a non-government organisation” planned in the coming days.
“New Zealand is a strong supporter of human rights, at home and around the world, including freedom of speech provided such initiatives are lawful and peaceful," a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) spokesperson was quoted as saying.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed he received the letter from the NZICA but refused to comment further.
"I can confirm my office received a letter from the NZICA on 24 October. A response is currently being drafted, and they can expect to receive it shortly. Police have full operational independence, and it would be inappropriate for me to provide comment on their operational decisions," RNZ quoted Mitchell as saying.