One Peterborough Sikh's perspective: Del Singh's call for unity after facing abuse following murder in Southampton
A Peterborough man has spoken of abuse he has faced following the murder of a teenager in Southampton – and made a call for unity.
The nation was shocked by the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton, after his killer, Vickrum Digwa, was jailed for life earlier this month.
There was an outpouring of sympathy for the teenager’s family and loved ones following the case.
However, with his killer being a Sikh, many others of the same faith have faced confrontation since the case.
Digwa stabbed Henry to death – and following the case, some focus was given to the fact Digwa was carrying two knives.
He was carrying a Kirpan – The BBC reported that under current legislation, a practising Sikh may wear a small blade, known as a kirpan, close to the body but drawing it in an act of aggression is illegal.
Digwa was also carrying another knife – which was used as the murder weapon – described as a ‘Sikh ceremonial dagger.’ (It wasn’t a six inch Kirpan – it was an eight inch Pesian Churra knife, classified as an offensive weapon).
Following the case, Henry’s father called for people not to use the teenager’s death to create further division, hatred or tension.
Peterborough’s Del Singh – a familiar face to many in the city – spoke to The Peterborough Telegraph about an incident he had faced while on a trip to Birmingham last week.
Del said: “The most important thing is my thoughts are with Henry’s family, who have lost a son.
"Last week, I was in Birmingham, when I passed two men. One said: "Where's your knife?" Caught unawares I responded, "Excuse me?", I was then met with a racist slur before they walked away.
"It has meant that when I am out, I am paying a little more attention. I’ve stopped putting headphones in when I am walking.
"These incidents tend to be very polarising. I remember it being similar after 9/11.
"The vast majority of Sikhs are decent law abiding citizens who work hard in their community.
"The man who committed the murder does not represent the Sikh community.
"In fact, there was a special service at a Sikh temple to remember Henry Nowak.
"It is times like this when people need to come together.”
Del himself does not carry a Kirpan, as he is not a baptised Sikh.
But he said: “There are good people who carry a Kirpan, but show great restraint whilst carrying a sacred article of their faith.
"In 100 years of Sikhs living in the UK, there has never been an incident of a Kirpan used.”
Vickrum Digwa, 23, of St Deny's Road, Southampton, was found guilty of murder and possession of bladed article in a public place.
He was given a life sentence, to serve a minimum of 21 years in prison.