The photograph of the unnamed man in Morrisons, Pinchbeck, was published on Facebook page Spotted: Spalding two days after the Manchester terror attack. The photograph led to hundreds of comments both in explanation and defence of the carrying of a kirpan and in opposition to it.
British-born Sandy Rai, who runs Oh My Cod fish shop with husband Bill, in Alexandra Road, Spalding, said she was deeply upset by ignorance of her religion being one of peace and tolerance and comments that implied she and fellow Sikhs were not wholly British.
She said: “All this has upset me to the core. I can’t believe in this day and age there is still so much ignorance, intolerance and lack of education in Spalding.
“As a Sikh living, working and raising a family in this town I, over the last couple of days, am starting to feel a little scared and intimidated. I’m scared for my children.”
But Mrs Rai and others felt it would be more appropriate for a smaller kirpan to be worn than the one photographed and in a more discreet way.
Sikh Ranjit Khela, owner/manager of Late Shopper, in Holbeach Road, Spalding, said: “The wearer should practise tolerance as well and could have worn a smaller and more discreet kirpan and still been within his beliefs and religion.”
Following the Manchester attack Lincolnshire chief constable Bill Skelly called for our communities to remain united.
He said: “A small amount of people carry out these heinous crimes and we will not let them win. Let us work closely together to unite against those who seek, through violence and extremism, to intimidate or cause fear.”
A man, who claimed to be the one in the photograph, posted on social media: “I was approached by members of staff who informed me my appearance was making a customer uncomfortable. I was very disappointed with the lack of knowledge regarding my faith.
“Rather than being escorted out as if I had done something wrong, I decided to leave of my own accord.
“It is perfectly legal for an initiated Sikh to wear all the articles of his/her faith, regrettably it is the lack of education/awareness which appears to be the underlying problem, but I am positive our communities can work together to resolve this very important issue.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to send my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims affected by the horrific attack in Manchester. It was not my intention to cause alarm, but we cannot simply give up our ideals because of a bunch of cowards who attack innocent civilians.”
Morrisons’ head office declined to comment on the incident.
