The untimely death of slain dairy worker Janak Patel has left the entire country, especially the broader migrant and business community, in shock and grief.
The 34-year-old was tragically stabbed to death outside the Rose Cottage Dairy in Sandringham on Wednesday (November 23), shortly after the superette was robbed.
His funeral at Ann’s Funeral Home in Wiri on Sunday (November 27) saw thousands of people attend.
Today on November 28, there is a nationwide protest outside Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's electoral offices at 658 New North Road, Mount Albert, Auckland, against the slaying of Janak Patel and for firm, decisive action on perpetrators of ram raids, thefts and all violent crimes in the community, especially those directed at retail businesses.
New Zealand Indian Central Association President Narendra Bhana is at the forefront of this protest, and other community leaders such as Dhansukh Lal, president of Auckland Indian Association and Dairy and Business Owners Group chairperson Sunny Kaushal.
However, when speaking to Indian Weekender, Mr Bhana and Mr Lal acknowledged that there were indirect pressures questioning the need for the protest.
Says Bhana, “There were indirect attempts, and we were asked if the protest was really needed or can’t it be avoided. However, the protest is needed to show and voice our concerns. The government need to wake up and wake up now. We don't want any lip service, and the actions on the ground need to be there to stop this grave situation of threat that the business owners are feeling now."
Adding to this, Lal says, "There were indirect and subtle pressures suggesting that some people in authority did not want the protest to occur. However, we feel that the protest is needed to wake up this government. It is not about just the safety of the Indian business community but of the wider business and migrant community. There needs to be dialogue, and the government needs to realise that enough is enough."
Bhana and Lal maintained that the government must be harsh on offenders and that actions are required on a priority basis before it is too late.
Said Bhana, “We do not want more unfortunate deaths like that of Janak to happen in NZ. But it seems the government is waiting for more such events before realising the gravity of the situation. Jacinda Ardernsneeds to acknowledge how big the security problem has become and do something about it now. Government should introduce tougher punishment and imbibe fear in the offenders. The government also needs to listen to victims living in fear."
Says Lal, “ Small business owners are very nervous and feel insure. Their families constantly worry about whether they will return from work. Is this the NZ we want? I have been here in NZ for 34 years, and the law and situation were never so bad. I hope the government wakes up before it is too late."