A proposed non-binding referendum advocating for an independent Sikh homeland within India is under close scrutiny by the New Zealand government, as activists from the US-based organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) ramp up efforts to hold the poll in Auckland.
Avtar Singh Pannun, President of SFJ, has been actively mobilizing support for the referendum while visiting Gurudwaras (Sikh temples) across Auckland. The movement, which SFJ has previously organized in cities across Australia, the UK, and Canada, aims to hold the upcoming referendum on November 17 in Auckland.
On October 19, Pannun led a controversial car rally from Takanini to the Indian Consulate’s temporary location in Eden Terrace. The rally was marred by allegations of hate speech and the desecration of the Indian national flag, actions that have heightened tensions between the Sikh activists and the Indian government. India has labeled SFJ as a terrorist organization and banned it under its terrorism laws, further complicating the situation.
The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) addressed the issue, stating, “We are aware of the so-called ‘referendum’ by a non-government organisation. 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.” When queried about the referendum’s call for a separate Sikh state, an MFAT spokesperson reaffirmed, “New Zealand recognises India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Concerns about the proposed referendum have also been voiced by the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA), one of the country’s oldest Indian associations established in 1926. NZICA President Narendra Bhana criticized the police for what he described as “inaction” during the October 19 rally, where protesters allegedly engaged in illegal parking and desecrated the Indian flag. Bhana stated, “[This] act of desecration is not only an insult to a national symbol but also deeply offensive to the Indian community in New Zealand.” He added that the police clarified their limitations in intervening unless property is damaged or harm is caused, and he expects a meeting with Police Minister Mark Mitchell to address these concerns.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell acknowledged receiving NZICA’s letter but declined to comment further, emphasizing the operational independence of the police force.
The proposed referendum comes at a sensitive time for New Zealand-India relations, which have recently deteriorated due to diplomatic tensions and the expulsion of top diplomats. Experts suggest that India is closely monitoring the situation in Auckland. David Capie, Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University, noted, “I’m sure the referendum will be watched very closely in Delhi. If we saw unrest or any sign that pro-Khalistan groups had any sort of official blessing, then Indian officials would doubtless raise the issue with New Zealand counterparts.”
Former National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, New Zealand’s first India-born lawmaker, expressed concern that the referendum could harm bilateral relations. He emphasized that the initiative does not reflect the views of the majority of Sikhs in New Zealand, stating, “For most Sikhs in New Zealand, the Khalistan issue holds minor to no significance. The Sikh community here primarily focuses on building successful lives in New Zealand while maintaining cultural and religious ties with India.”
Similarly, Rupinder Virk, former president of the Country Section New Zealand Indian Association (CSNZIA), highlighted that long-established Indian organizations do not support actions that disrespect the Indian national flag or promote extremism.
