Sikh leaders will review guidance on wearing ceremonial knives following the use of a kirpan in the murder of student Henry Nowak. Gurmel Singh, chief executive of the Supreme Sikh Council UK, said leaders will meet on May 30 and in coming weeks to examine safeguards in religious training and ensure such an incident does not recur. UK law allows possession of a kirpan for religious and ceremonial purposes, with no legally prescribed size according to the College of Policing. At the time of the murder, killer Vickrum Digwa carried two traditional knives, including a small kirpan and a longer 21cm blade used in the attack. The victim, a finance student at Southampton University, was arrested while dying after Digwa falsely claimed racial abuse. Reform UK figures Robert Jenrick and Zia Yusuf pledged to ban Sikhs carrying kirpans in public if the party gains power. Singh expressed condolences to the Nowak family and condemned Digwa’s actions as a breach of Sikh values. He noted community leaders will strengthen education on the responsibilities of articles of faith while rejecting political statements exploiting the tragedy. He added that many Sikhs practice martial arts where discipline and emotional control could receive greater emphasis. After Digwa’s conviction on May 28, about 40 members of the Southampton Patriots protested outside a police station. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has apologised to the family for accepting Digwa’s false claims.
