A Sikh councillor from Reading has said the actions of Henry Nowak’s murderer shouldn’t be used to “judge an entire faith.”
Mr Nowak was killed aged 18 in Southampton on December 3, 2025, by Vickrum Digwa, a Sikh man.
Digwa was sentenced for life with a minimum of 21 years’ imprisonment for murdering Mr Nowak on Monday, June 1.
Now, councillor Daya Pal Singh has expressed sadness and condolences in a statement to promote community cohesion in Reading and the country as a whole.
Cllr Singh (Labour, Emmer Green) said: “As Reading’s first Sikh Councillor and someone who has called Reading home for more than 40 years, I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of Henry Nowak.
“My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Henry’s family, friends and loved ones. I stand with them at this incredibly difficult time and cannot begin to imagine the pain they are going through.
“Over the years, I have been proud to be part of communities built on peace, unity, respect and support for one another.
“These are values that have guided me throughout my life and public service, and they are values deeply rooted in my Sikh faith.
“What has happened is wrong, and there can be no justification for the loss of a young life.
“Responsibility for this tragic act rests solely with the individual responsible and not with any faith, race or community.”
The murder of Mr Nowak has sparked a debate about whether Sikhs should continue to be allowed to carry the kirpan, a ceremonial blade.
Sikhs have been legally allowed to carry kirpans through the e Criminal Justice Act 1988 and The Offensive Weapons Act 2019.
Digwa stabbed Mr Nowak with a 21 centimetre (eight inch) dagger rather than the kirpan.
Cllr Singh has warned against the incident being used to judge the Sikh faith, or any others.
He said: “While there has been discussion around Sikh articles of faith, it is important that people do not confuse religious observance with the actions of one person.
“Court reports have made clear that the small kirpan worn as part of the individual’s faith was not the weapon used in this incident.
“The actions of one person should never be used to judge an entire faith or community.
“This tragedy has affected many people, including both families and the wider community.
“At this difficult time, our focus should be on supporting Henry’s family and loved ones, allowing justice to take its course, and ensuring that our communities continue to come together in peace, unity and compassion.”
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, a fellow Sikh and the Labour MP for Slough, has spoken about the incident in Parliament, accusing right-wing political parties of politicising the case.
Mr Dhesi said: “I am deeply saddened by the murder of Henry Nowak.
“What’s very galling is that the likes of Reform, Restore, and the far-right decided to politicise people’s pain, attacking the Sikh community for wearing the kirpan and wanting it banned, even though the kirpan was not used in this violent attack.
“And they’ve decided to scapegoat and throw under the bus an entire community based on the actions of one violent murderer.”
A protest organised by a group called Southampton Patriots that took place on Tuesday, June 2 received national attention.
The demonstration involved speeches from Stephen Yaxley Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson, and Nick Tenconi, the leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) who has links to Reading.
It was also attended by actor Laurence Fox.
Footage captured by vloggers AY Audits and Young Bob shows clashes between members of the public and the police, which featured members of the National Rebirth Party, which has been accused of being a Neo Nazi organisation.
Cllr Singh served as a Labour representative for Kentwood ward from 2016 until his voluntary exit in 2022.
He was then elected as a Labour councillor for Emmer Green ward in 2024.
