Sikh Man Stabbed in UK, Driver Averts Violence & FIFA Canada Allows 'Kirpan'

June

2026

26-year-old Gurbhej Singh died in a knife attack in Southall, west London, on 10 Jun. A second man, in his 30s, who was also injured at the scene has been discharged from hospital after treatment. While the Metropolitan police arrested seven people, six have been let go after investigation, and one has been bailed pending further inquiries. Meanwhile, on the debate over carrying the Sikh article of faith—the kirpan (traditional sword)—publicly after the death of Henry Nowak and sentencing of Vickrum Singh Digwa, the UK Gurdwara Alliance has issued a public clarification stating that some social media commentators who support the kirpan ban do not represent the Sikh community, Sikh institutions or any recognized Sikh representative body. The Alliance said they have not been authorized, appointed, or mandated to speak on behalf of Sikhs and their views should be regarded as personal opinions rather than the position of the wider Sikh community. Concurrently, an incident in India highlighted the value of kirpans. On 11 Jun, at Jhajjar Gate in Farrukhnagar, Haryana, a group of men descended upon a truck driven by a Nihang Singh (traditional warrior) Ravinder Singh. The attack was prompted by a minor accident between his truck and a bus, where the bus driver was at fault. The bus driver’s supporters attacked the truck with rods and sticks, breaking the windscreen, and injuring Ravinder’s hand. Ravinder dismounted the truck with his kirpan and the mob dispersed. Ravinder, however, did not attack anyone and later said, 'I only wanted to scare the mob. Those people also have families and kids; I did not want to harm them.' This incident is a clear reminder of the Sikh code that mandates proper use of the kirpan. Subsequently, the FIFA World Cup football games scheduled in Canada have also allowed the kirpan with the mandate that the blade must not exceed 10 cm in length and must remain securely fastened within its sheath at all times (earlier coverage).