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Sikh community in Bristol ‘pray for love and unity over division and hatred’
Bristol’s Sikh community have released a joint statement following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa for the murder of Henry Nowak.
Digwa claimed he had been racially abused and had acted in self-defence when he murdered 18-year-old Nowak in Southampton.
When he fatally stabbed Nowak, Digwa was carrying a knife in a sheath as well as a larger dagger linked to being a member of the Nihang order of Sikhs.
“Bristol’s Sikh community are deeply shocked and saddened at the death of Henry Nowak and send our deepest heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” said the statement on behalf of the community.
Bristol has four Sikh gurdwaras in Easton, Eastville, Redfield and St George.
The statement added: “We pray for his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time and for the loss of a young man who had his whole life before him.
“No family should have to endure the grief and pain of losing a child in such violent circumstances.
“The actions carried out by Vikrum Digwa were horrific and he has been sentenced to 21 years imprisonment.
“We fully support the call for a thorough investigation into the police response to understand what happened that day.
“There are reports in the media that Digwa used a kirpan, an article of faith for baptised Sikhs.
“The knife used by Digwa was not a kirpan; it was a dagger. He lied that he was required to wear the dagger because of his Sikh faith.
“UK law allows baptised (Amritdhari) Sikhs to carry a kirpan for religious and ceremonial reasons (but) UK law does not allow the kirpan to be used as an offensive weapon.
“The kirpan has been worn by Sikhs for hundreds of years without any recorded incidents of its use an offensive weapon and millions of Sikhs around the world carry the kirpan responsibly.
“Digwa’s actions are totally against the values of Sikhism for love, truth and righteous conduct.
“He has bought our beloved faith into disrepute and great sadness and shame to our community because of his actions.
“It is deeply concerning to our community that this tragedy is being used to fuel hostility and divisions between communities around the country with reported attacks and abuse against Sikhs.
“Misinformation and the spreading of hate online is creating fear amongst our community.
“The murder of Henry Nowak was committed by one individual, and his actions should not be used to judge the entire Sikh community or a sacred religious symbol that millions of Sikhs carry peacefully and responsibly around the world.
“Knife crime is endemic in UK society, and our focus must be to address the underlying reasons for the increase in knife crime and how to prevent it.
“We must avoid kneejerk reactions to blame a whole group of people for the actions of one individual.
“Sikhs have lived in Bristol for many years, helping to make it a vibrant and welcoming city.
“Our ancestors made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for this country in both world wars whilst wearing the sacred kirpan.
“We will continue to contribute to our city, living in harmony with our neighbours and all communities.
“Our Sikh faith teaches us to overcome fear and hate through love and we stand in solidarity with Henry’s family and pray for love and unity over division and hatred.”
Main photo: Bristol24/7
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