New Zealand Member of Parliament Parmjeet Parmar has downplayed concerns over possible pro-Khalistan protests during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit, saying a very small section of the Sikh community does not represent the wider Sikh population in the country.
Parmar, who is also the first Indian-origin woman elected to New Zealand's Parliament from the National Party, stated that the country 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.
Parmar said "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 added that New Zealand values freedom of speech and people’s right to hold peaceful protests, but it does not extend to any kind of intimidation, violence or support for terrorism.
She made the remarks as the issue of pro-Khalistan activities has once again come into focus ahead of PM Modi's visit.
India has consistently raised the issue with New Zealand over the activities of pro-Khalistan elements and alleged anti-India activities being carried out in the country.
"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.
"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 Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit New Zealand at the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon after concluding his visit to Australia.
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