New Zealand MP Parmjeet Parmar has downplayed concerns over pro-Khalistan protests ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the country, stating that those involved constitute a 'very small number' and do not represent the views of the wider Sikh community.
Parmar's Statement on Protests
Parmar, the first Indian-origin woman elected to New Zealand's Parliament from the National Party, told ANI that the protesters can be 'counted on your fingertips' and do not reflect the broader community's stance. '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,' she said.
She emphasized that New Zealand values freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest, but clarified that these freedoms do not extend to intimidation, violence or support for terrorism. '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,' Parmar added.
Context of PM Modi's Visit
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. PM Modi will visit New Zealand at the invitation of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon after concluding his visit to Australia.
Security Arrangements
Parmar 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.
Attacks on Indians
On the increased attacks on Indians in New Zealand, Parmar 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.
