An overwhelming number of Express readers want the kirpan banned in the UK. Vickrum Digwa, 23, was given a life sentence for stabbing Henry Nowak, 18, with a knife with a 21cm long blade. While Digwa was wearing a kirpan, he had a second blade, described by the trial judge as “a large Sikh dagger”, which was used as the murder weapon.
Judge William Mousley KC, sentencing Digwa, said there was a “huge responsibility” for Sikhs in being allowed to be in public with a knife “particularly in respect of the large dagger, a highly dangerous weapon, easily accessible to the wearer”. The Express asked readers in a poll whether the kirpan should be banned. There were 11,354 responses to the poll, with 9,699 saying “yes,” there should be a kirpan ban. A total of 9,699 said “no” and 97 responded “don’t know”.
A kirpan is one of the five articles of faith for Sikhs. The four others are not cutting hair, a round steel bracelet, a small wooden comb and cotton shorts.
Under existing UK law, a kirpan can be used for religious reasons, but if it is used unlawfully, then it can be considered as an offensive weapon.
Reform UK has led calls for the kirpan to be banned. Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has called for a review of exemptions on the carrying of knives for religious reasons.
Henry’s death sparked an outcry about the policing response to the murder after the student’s killer claimed he had been the victim of a racial attack, while Mr Nowak was handcuffed by police as he lay dying.
Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, said on Tuesday (June 2) that people should react with “pure cold rage”.
Hundreds gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station on Tuesday, with violence erupting after a large group walked to the Portswood area of the city.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council has announced it will review anti-racism guidance. This advises police to treat ethnic minorities differently to get them better outcomes.
Some have blamed the guidance for the actions of the officers who arrested Henry.
The youngster’s family have said they do not want his murder to stir up hostility or division.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the use of a ceremonial weapon by a Sikh man to kill was a “vile act”, but she warned those who share his faith must not face condemnation for a murder they did not commit.
She has said the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 “clarified and strengthened” existing legal protections about carrying kirpans.
Sikh groups in the UK have said what happened is not representative of the community and the murder was committed by one man.