India labels Gurpatwant a terrorist and has banned the SFJ under its anti-terrorism laws.

This makes the issue of particular importance, with potential implications for relations between New Zealand and India, which have seen a marked improvement in recent months, prompting the government to respond.

“We are aware of the so-called ‘referendum’ organized by a non-governmental organization. New Zealand is a strong supporter of human rights, at home and around the world, including freedom of expression, provided that such initiatives are lawful and peaceful,” a spokesperson said on Thursday. of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat).

Asked about the government’s view on the demand for a separate state included in the “referendum”, the Mfat spokesperson said: “New Zealand recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India. »

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA), one of the oldest Indian associations in New Zealand after its establishment in 1926, contacted Police Minister Mark Mitchell to express its concerns over what she called “police inaction as Khalistani protesters engaged in illegal parking.” , hate speech and desecration of the Indian flag.”

The association’s president, Narendra Bhana, who is based at the Eden Terrace premises where the protest took place, said: “(This) act of desecration is not only an insult to a national symbol but also deeply offensive to the Indian community in New Zealand. »

Bhana told RNZ on Friday that police had since clarified to him that they did not have the power to stop protesters from burning or disrespecting flags.

“They (police) cannot intervene until protesters start damaging property or causing damage. I have been assured that the Minister of Police will hold a meeting next week to address this issue,” he said.

Mitchell, while confirming the NZICA letter, declined to comment further.

“I can confirm that my office received a letter from NZICA on October 24. A response is currently being drafted and they can expect to receive it shortly. The police enjoy complete operational independence and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on their operational decisions,” Mitchell said.

Experts also weighed in on what the proposed referendum would mean for New Zealand-India relations, given the ongoing diplomatic standoff between India and Canada over the issue.

Relations between the latter two countries are at their lowest point with the expulsion of senior diplomats and the escalation of tensions following the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada.

Director of the Center for Strategic Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, David Capie, said India was likely to closely monitor developments in Auckland.

“I am sure the referendum will be watched very closely in Delhi. If we saw unrest or any sign that pro-Khalistan groups were enjoying any official blessing, then Indian officials would no doubt raise the issue with their New Zealand counterparts. But I don’t think either party wants this to become a major issue in the relationship right now,” Capie said.

Former National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, who has the distinction of being New Zealand’s first Indian-born politician, was more vehement, noting that “the proposed Khalistan referendum will likely damage relations between New Zealand -Zealand and India, particularly given India’s apparent position on the issue of its country. territorial integrity”.

“It is essential to recognize that this referendum does not represent the views of most Sikhs in New Zealand,” he said. “Under the influence of external forces… a small part is defending this program. New Zealand must not let this affect its diplomatic relations with India.

“For most Sikhs in New Zealand, the issue of Khalistan is of little or no importance. The Sikh community here primarily focuses on building a successful life in New Zealand while maintaining cultural and religious ties with India.

“My understanding is that the referendum has minimal support from New Zealand’s Sikh community, particularly in Auckland. The push for this referendum is driven primarily by a tiny and vocal minority, some of whom may have been influenced by forces outside New Zealand and India,” Bakshi said.

“The general New Zealand public has little interest or involvement in this issue, and this must be understood in that context.”

Another community organization, the Country Section New Zealand Indian Association (CSNZIA), shared similar views.

“Our association was established in 1926 and represents all Indians living in New Zealand. According to NZICA President (Narendra Bhana), we do not support people who disrespect the Indian national flag,” said former CSNZIA President Rupinder Virk. “We do not support any extremism or discrimination, especially when it comes to India.”

RNZ made several attempts to contact SFJ and Avtar Singh Pannun, but all calls, messages and emails went unanswered.

The Indian High Commission did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.

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