We respect India’s territorial integrity: New Zealand on Khalistan referendum

In the aftermath of the so-called Khalistani referendum, the New Zealand government has said that it “respects and recognises” India’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity”. Over the weekend, at Auckland’s Aotea Square, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) held a referendum that aimed to carve out a sovereign state from India’s northern state of Punjab.

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) is a banned organisation in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Numerous criminal cases have been registered against SFJ members in India by agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and state police forces, particularly in Punjab.

In a statement to WION, the New Zealand foreign ministry said that it is “aware of the so-called ‘referendum’,” and while the country is a “strong supporter of human rights at home and around the world” provided such “initiatives are lawful and peaceful”.

The SFJ has been conducting similar referendums in other countries like Canada, Australia and the UK. The so-called Khalistani referendum in New Zealand was given wide coverage by Pakistani mainstream media. One Pakistani channel had its correspondent on the ground as well to cover the event, with several of his interviews with supporters of Khalistan ideology.

India and New Zealand have a positive relationship, with EAM Dr S Jaishankar and New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters meeting several times this year, including one earlier this month. Key areas of conversation have been on education, technology, agriculture, mobility and the situation in the Indo-Pacific.