The UK government's Extremism Review has a leaked report that highlights two forms of extremism that have their roots in the Indian subcontinent: Hindu nationalist extremism and pro-Khalistan extremism.

According to a report published earlier this week titled "Extremely Confused: The government's new counter-extremism review revealed," written by Andrew Gilligan and Dr Paul Scott for the Policy Exchange think tank, "Hindu nationalist extremism" has been mentioned in a review of this kind for the first time. UK Home Office Security Minister Dan Jarvis told the House of Commons on Tuesday that it was unclear which version of the report was leaked and emphasised that the claims in the report did not reflect government policy. 

Last August, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper ordered a "Rapid Analytical Sprint" to establish the Labour government's stance on extremism. According to the leaked report, the longest section is titled "Understand" and outlines nine types of extremism, listed as follows: Islamist extremism, extreme right-wing extremism, extreme misogyny, pro-Khalistan extremism, Hindu nationalist extremism, environmental extremism, left-wing extremism, anarchist extremism, single-issue extremism (LASI), violence fascination, and conspiracy theories. 

“Pages 17-18 of Understand' are devoted to two types of extremism which have their origins in the Indian subcontinent what is described as pro-Khalistan extremism and Hindu nationalist extremism. With regards to the former, the report offers the caveat that support for a Sikh state of Khalistan is not necessarily extremist; the problem is when this outlook leads to the advocacy of violence in support of that cause,” reads the Policy Exchange report. “That is a logical position for the UK government to take. However much more controversial will be the assessment of a growing portfolio of actors of concern' within the Khalistan movement; and reference to activism which contributes to the demonisation of Muslim communities, in particular about child sexual exploitation allegations' and what are seen as conspiracy theories alleging collusion between the British and Indian Governments c, including accusations of Indian involvement in "deadly violence against Sikhs in Canada and the United States" it reads.

It adds, "Hindu nationalist extremism (also referred to as Hindutva, which roughly translates as Hinduness') was not mentioned in the 2023 Independent Review of Prevent something that with hindsight can be seen as a mistake. Given the violence which occurred in Leicester in September 2022 between Hindus and Muslims, the government is correct to place Hindu nationalist extremism under the spotlight not least as knowledge of it is generally low. It's also important to note that key figures within both the Muslim and Hindu communities in Leicester played a major role in taking advantage of tensions and stirring up hatred between local communities". 

The Opposition Conservative Party brought up the findings of the leaked report in Parliament. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp questioned how the government is handling various types of extremism. As we have said repeatedly, Islamist extremism followed by far-right extremism are the biggest threats we face... Ideology, particularly Islamist extremism followed by far-right extremism, continues to be at the heart of our approach to countering extremism and terrorism, stated Dan Jarvis, on behalf of the government.