'Very small number' do not represent Sikh community's views: NZ MP on Khalistani issue ahead of PM Modi visit
By Vishu Adhana, Wellington, July 9
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to New Zealand, New Zealand MP Parmjeet Parmar sought to downplay concerns over pro-Khalistan protests, saying those involved constitute a "very small number" and do not represent the views of the wider Sikh community in the country.
Parmar, the first Indian-origin woman elected to New Zealand's Parliament from the National Party, said New Zealand values freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest, but stressed that such freedoms do not extend to intimidation, violence or support for terrorism.
"The numbers are very small; you can count them on your fingertips. They do not represent the views of the wider community, including the Sikh community here in New Zealand," Parmar told ANI.
"We value freedom of speech and people's ability to hold peaceful protests. But that does not extend to any kind of intimidation, violence or support for terrorism. If there is any indication of violent terrorism, then the law should be applied. Nobody in the community should feel unsafe expressing their identity or feel intimidated because of who they are," she said.
The remarks come as the issue of pro-Khalistan activities has once again come into focus ahead of PM Modi's visit. India has repeatedly raised concerns with New Zealand over the activities of pro-Khalistan elements and alleged anti-India activities being carried out from its soil.
Parmar also expressed confidence in New Zealand's security arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit.
"As far as this weekend is concerned, when Modi ji is here, the security is going to be really high, and I'm not concerned about that," she said.
On the increased attacks on Indians in New Zealand, Parmer added that New Zealand's laws apply equally to everyone and that authorities should act whenever the legal threshold for criminal conduct is crossed.
"Everybody in the community should feel safe, irrespective of their ethnicity or country of origin. If people are concerned, there are laws and mechanisms to assess whether the threshold has been crossed. If it has, then the law should be enforced because nobody is above the law," Parmar said.
"There is no place for racism or intimidation in New Zealand. People should be judged by their character and the contributions they make, rather than by their ancestry," she added.
Prime Minister Modi will visit New Zealand at the invitation of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon after concluding his visit to Australia. Announcing the visit, Modi said he would hold discussions with Luxon on strengthening economic, trade and commercial ties following the momentum generated by the New Zealand Prime Minister's visit to India in March 2025.
He also said he looked forward to addressing the Indian diaspora, which he described as having made significant contributions across various sectors in New Zealand.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The article mentions increased attacks on Indians in NZ - that's concerning. While I appreciate MP Parmar's balanced statement, I hope the NZ authorities actually enforce the law when it comes to these attacks. Words are good, but action speaks louder. My cousin in Auckland says some people avoid wearing turbans now because they feel targeted. That's not right.
"Count them on your fingertips" - exactly my thoughts! These Khalistani supporters are a microscopic minority making a lot of noise. PM Modi's visit will strengthen ties between India and NZ, which is what matters. Trade, economy, diaspora connections - that's the real story. Let the fringe elements shout, they're irrelevant.
I appreciate what MP Parmar said, but I wish she had been a bit stronger on the 'support for terrorism' part. The Khalistani supporters often hide behind 'freedom of speech' while openly advocating violence. India has been raising this issue for years, and it's good that finally a New Zealand politician is acknowledging the problem, even if downplaying it slightly.
As someone of Indian origin living in New Zealand for 20 years, I can confirm what MP Parmar says is true. The local Sikh community here is wonderful and fully integrated. The pro-Khalistan protests get disproportionate media coverage. Most Kiwis are welcoming, and this PM visit will only strengthen our relationship with India. Security will be tight - no worries there.
I'm glad PM Modi is visiting New Zealand - it shows the importance of the India-NZ relationship. But let's not pretend the Khalistani issue doesn't need addressing. Even if the numbers
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