03/06/2026
Statement from the Northern Ireland Sikh Association and the Sikh Community in Derry /Londonderry
The Northern Ireland Sikh Association and the Sikh Community in Derry/Londonderry extend our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the family and loved ones of Henry Nowak and to all those affected by this tragic loss.
We unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, hatred, and criminality. The actions of any individual involved in such acts are their own and do not represent the Sikh faith, Sikh values, or the wider Sikh community.
Sikhism is founded on the belief that there is no distinction of caste, creed, race, nationality, or religion – there is only One Humanity. Our faith teaches respect for all people, protection of the vulnerable, service to others, and the pursuit of justice through peaceful and lawful means.
For many years, Sikhs across Northern Ireland have worked alongside people from every background through community service, charitable work, education, and interfaith engagement. We are proud of the positive relationships we have built with our neighbours, community partners, and public representatives.
We respectfully ask that the Sikh community not be judged by the actions of any individual. Just as no community should be defined by the worst actions of a few, Sikhs should be recognised by the values we strive to uphold every day: compassion, equality, respect, and service to humanity.
Our prayers remain with the victims, their families, and all those impacted by violence. We remain committed to promoting peace, understanding, and harmony across Northern Ireland.
"Recognise the whole human race as one."— Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Northern Ireland Sikh AssociationDerry Sikh Community
The father of Henry Nowak said he did not want his son's murder to 'be used to create further division'.
Henry was stabbed to death by Vickrum Digwa. His murderer told police that he had been the victim of a racist attack.
In body-worn camera footage from the incident, Mr Nowak can be heard repeatedly saying: “I’ve been stabbed”, to which an officer replies: “Don’t think you have, mate.” Henry later collapsed and died.
Following Digwa's murder conviction, his father said his son's death should make the Government "treat knife crime as the national emergency it is".
“This doesn’t mean knee-jerk reactions. This doesn’t mean going to extremes. It just means a common-sense approach to law and order," he said.
“As the KC for the prosecution summed up in court: This is not a case about Sikhism. This is not a case about racism. This is a case about murder.
“People should not be able to walk openly through the streets of Britain carrying a 21cm blade.
“As a family, we will not let this go. No other family should experience the heartbreak and horror of losing a child to knife crime.”
