Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal condemned the disruption of a peaceful Sikh Nagar Kirtan in New Zealand, calling it a threat to religious freedom and universal brotherhood. He praised the Sikh community for maintaining restraint despite provocation and urged external affairs minister S Jaishankar to raise the issue with the New Zealand government, as police intervened to ensure the procession could continue safely.

Reports claimed that the device, bearing Chinese markings and typically used as an attachment to assault and sniper rifles

Speaking exclusively to News18, Chakraborty said the programme began around 7 pm and proceeded without disruption until she performed ‘Jago Ma’.