New Delhi, Dec. 22 -- A peaceful Sikh religious procession in New Zealand was forced to pause midway after a far-right group staged a provocative protest in South Auckland, triggering fresh concerns over religious freedom, racism, and public safety in the country.

The incident unfolded on Saturday in Manurewa, where a nagar kirtan organised by the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara was making its way through the locality with official permission from authorities. Members of the Sikh community, including Nihangs, were seen maintaining restraint even as the procession was blocked.

Videos circulating on social media show protesters linked to the far-right group True Patriots of New Zealand, associated with evangelical leader Brian Tamaki and Destiny C...