The Indian community in New Zealand is currently experiencing a mix of anxiety, confusion, and frustration in response to a series of anti-India and anti-community incidents that have disrupted the generally peaceful environment they have long enjoyed. The latest and most troubling event occurred on October 19, when a small group of individuals, including some Indian migrants from New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and other countries, desecrated the Indian flag outside the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland. This act has deeply outraged the wider Indian diaspora in New Zealand, sparking calls for decisive action against those responsible. Many are advocating for strict legal measures to prevent such incidents from recurring and to send a strong message to others who might consider engaging in similar acts.

This event has not only damaged the image of the Indian community but has also cast a shadow over the Sikh community, as this small group of individuals does not represent the broader values or sentiments of Sikhs in New Zealand or worldwide. The Sikh community, historically and culturally, has been known for its dedication to the protection of Hindu and Indian values. Sikhism originated under the guidance of Sikh Gurus who aimed to defend Hindus and their beliefs during the Mughal invasions. In fact, it was common for Sikh Gurus to ask the eldest male from Hindu families to be baptized and trained in martial skills to protect their community from Mughal invaders. This longstanding bond of mutual respect and solidarity between the Hindu and Sikh communities has persisted for centuries, making the recent actions of this small, misguided group particularly painful and divisive.

In recent times, however, some individuals who claim to follow Sikhism have strayed from these traditional values. They have fallen under the influence of divisive and manipulative external anti-India forces. The demand for a separate Sikh state, or Khalistan, has become a rallying cry for some, even though the idea of Khalistan has little to no realistic support among most Sikhs and will never materialize within India. Ironically, these individuals often overlook the fact that Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister who has gone to great lengths to honour Sikh Gurus and elevate the Sikh faith, making these anti-India protests even harder to comprehend. Under Modi’s leadership, the Indian government has actively celebrated Sikh history and contributions, including declaring 14 November as Veer Bal Diwas in respect of Guru’s martyr children and yet he remains a primary target of these anti-India elements.

The motives behind these protests go beyond mere discontent with India’s internal policies; they are part of a broader attempt to tarnish India’s image on the global stage. As India has achieved remarkable economic growth and built its military strength, certain foreign powers have sought to destabilize it in various ways, especially since Narendra Modi’s government has defied expectations and remained steadfast in promoting India’s independence and growth. Frustrated by India’s resilience, these foreign elements are allegedly seeking to weaken the country by fostering unrest and instability through disinformation and by encouraging extremist elements within the diaspora.

One tactic used by India’s adversaries, especially Pakistan, has been to promote the so-called “K-2” agenda, referring to Kashmir and Khalistan, with the aim of keeping tensions alive around these sensitive issues. By manipulating disaffected individuals, they hope to create social divisions and tension that could undermine India’s progress and distract its government from economic and social development. Pakistan’s regime, knowing that direct confrontation with India is never going to succeed, has instead opted for this indirect strategy, providing resources and support to groups that push for a separatist agenda.

Despite these provocations, the Indian community in New Zealand has demonstrated a remarkable degree of restraint and maturity. Instead of responding to divisive tactics with hostility, the community has largely worked to maintain peace and unity. Many believe that this restraint has prevented any escalation and has thwarted the objectives of these agitators, who likely hoped for a more violent reaction. However, patience within the Indian community is wearing thin. Continued incidents of this nature could strain relations between different groups within New Zealand, especially if the authorities are perceived as indifferent or ineffective in addressing the issue.

There is growing discontent with the perceived inaction by the New Zealand police and government. Some community members suspect that authorities may not be taking the issue seriously or might even be turning a blind eye to these divisive activities. This perception has led to whispers that New Zealand’s government might be under pressure or influenced by external interests, which has only added to the community’s unease. The Indian government, however, is believed to be closely monitoring the situation, and there is talk that measures are being taken to deal with these anti-national elements decisively. Until then, the wider Indian community in New Zealand is encouraged to continue exercising restraint and avoid falling into the trap set by these anti-India forces, who would prefer to see a divided and destabilized Indian diaspora.

In this complex and challenging environment, unity and patience are vital for the Indian community in New Zealand. Rooted in a foundation of mutual respect and shared cultural heritage, Indian-New Zealanders can remain resilient against provocations, ensuring that the divisive intentions of a few do not prevail. As the saying goes, “united we stand, divided we fall.” -TIN Bureau