Calling the matter “hypothetical”, the New Zealand PM said any decision regarding a Khalistan referendum would depend on police assessments of potential risks.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Monday addressed concerns over the Khalistan issue and stated his government will not tolerate criminal behaviour. He said that while New Zealand values free speech, any intimidation or violence would be dealt with strictly under the law.
Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Luxon said the Khalistan issue has caused significant “suffering” in India but maintained that it would not become a stumbling block in ties between the two countries.
Won’t Tolerate Violence Linked To Khalistan Issue: Luxon
Upon being asked if the Khalistan issue would affect the ties between the two nations, he responded, “No, I don’t think so,” adding, “I mean, firstly, what I acknowledge is on the Khalistan issue, you know, that has caused a huge amount of pain and suffering and a tremendous loss of lives and livelihoods within India, and we’re well aware of that. You know, we are also a country that, you know, has very clear rules that, yes, while we’re a liberal democracy, we expect freedom of expression and free speech. We expect people to be compliant with our rules.”
“And any threats of intimidation or violence is utterly unacceptable, and our police are alert to those issues, and manage those well,” he remarked.
‘Referendum Depends On Police Risk Assessment’
Responding to a question on whether New Zealand would permit a Khalistan referendum, PM Luxon said the matter was “hypothetical” and any decision would depend on police assessments of potential risks.
