New Zealand Labor Party spokesperson Vanushi Walters said on the Khalistani issue that there is freedom of speech in her country, but it is not unlimited. He said that if anyone incites hatred then domestic laws will be applied. He also described racism as completely unacceptable.
Vishu Adhana Wellington [न्यूजीलैंड]July 10 (ANI): New Zealand Labor Party foreign affairs spokeswoman Wanushi Walters said on Friday that there is freedom of speech in her country, but it is not unlimited. Speaking to ANI on the Khalistani issue, Walters replied that even though relations between the two countries have strengthened over the years, this is a major issue that has emerged as a thorn between the two countries. India has been urging New Zealand to take action against anti-India elements. New Zealand has been talking about freedom of speech, but the presence of anti-India elements that threaten the safety and security of India is a matter of concern for India.
He said, “I think we understand the concern. For us here in New Zealand, we have laws that protect freedom of speech, but they are not perfect. And so if the conduct becomes more extreme or reaches the level of threatening or inciting hatred, then certainly our domestic laws will apply. And that’s what we will keep an eye on. However, we are very conscious that here in New Zealand we hold freedom of speech as one of our priority values.”
Racism is completely unacceptable
Walters was asked about another major issue – racism. There have been attacks on people of Indian origin, there have been attacks on Indians, they have been asked to go back to India. To this Walters responded, “Yes, I think racism is completely unacceptable. I’m a South Asian New Zealander. And so I know it happens from time to time, but I think one, it’s unacceptable, and two, no part of our leadership in our country should be making comments that are racist.”
He mentioned that when his party was in power, it created a ministry for ethnic communities and funded the ministry. He said, “I’m very proud that as the Labor Party, when we were in government, we created a Ministry for Ethnic Communities and funded the ministry so that it could help our multicultural communities across New Zealand to engage with New Zealanders of all backgrounds. And it’s been hugely successful. We need to pay more attention to that. I think our schools need to do more in the area of accepting diversity. But of course we also need to address that racism. We must protest when this happens.”
Khalistan issue heated up again before PM Modi’s visit
This comment has come at a time when the issue of pro-Khalistan activities before PM Modi’s visit has once again come into limelight. India has repeatedly expressed concern to New Zealand over the activities of pro-Khalistan elements and alleged anti-India activities being carried out from its soil.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi departed from Melbourne, Australia for Auckland, New Zealand for the final leg of his 3-nation visit. (ANI)
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