A New Zealand First party MP is facing criticism over what’s being termed an attempt to drive a wedge between the Hindus and Sikhs in New Zealand.
Winston Peters- founder of the populist NZ First, weighing in on a debate over legalising the ceremonial sword worn by initiated Sikhs, recently opposed it saying if allowed, Hindus could also make a similar demand to carry a trident.
“If Sikhs can do this as part of their customs, then what do we say to Maori who want to carry their traditional weapon a taiaha, or perhaps a Hindu who wants to carry a trident, their traditional a three-pronged spear,” Mr Peters said.
The issue of allowing the Sikhs to wear their Kirpan- a short ceremonial sword, has become a political issue after a number of incidents of them being reported to the police for carrying “knives” in the public.
The National Party promised to the Sikhs in New Zealand to make it legal to wear the Kirpan in public if they are re-elected to power in the September election.
Winston Peters Source: NZ First
Sikh MP from the Liberal Party, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi has termed it as an attempt to create a chasm between Hindu and Sikhs.
"This is a very low ball effort to create an unwanted rift between two peace loving Indian communities. Mr Peters needs to grow up and do thorough research before he makes such irrelevant and stupid comments,” Mr Bakshi told .
Representatives of the Hindu community in New Zealand say they have no such demand to be allowed to carry the trident in public.
“To say that the Hindus will be demanding to carry the Trident is an unfounded exaggeration of the cultural requirement for Hindus,” Selva Ramasami, a key leader of the Wellington’s Hindu community said. “The Hindu community has always been very respectful towards the cultural need of our Sikh brothers to carry the Kirpan."
New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English announced on August 4 that if re-elected, the National-led coalition government would amend the Crimes Act to allow the Sikhs to carry a kirpan for religious reasons.
