The whole Sikh community has been 'put in the dock' and some are scared to go out after the violent reaction to the murder of Henry Nowak that sparked protests led by far-right agitator Tommy Robinson, a community leader has said.
Jas Singh, principal advisor to the Sikh Federation UK, told The Independent the community was being targeted over the actions of the perpetrator, Vickrum Digwa, with reports that Sikhs across the country had been accosted and intimidated.
Mr Nowak, an 18-year-old student, was stabbed to death in December and was arrested and handcuffed as he lay dying on the ground. His killer, Digwa, falsely accused him of racism, leading the police to mistakenly believe that Mr Nowak did not need immediate assistance.
Sikh community leaders have been quick to condemn the actions of Digwa, making clear that they go against the teachings of the Sikh faith. However, Reform UK and Restore Britain have used the opportunity to call for the kirpan, a ceremonial Sikh dagger worn by baptised Sikhs, to be banned, even though it wasn’t the weapon used in the killing.
Mr Singh warned: 'The whole Sikh community is being put in the dock for the actions of one individual. We’ve been asked every day from people who are scared to go out, because they can’t separate themselves from the kirpan.' He called on the government to provide support for the Sikh community, such as extra security at gurdwaras and financial support for hate crime reporting.
