The United Kingdom has warned against the use of anti-India rhetoric over the issue of Kashmir and pro-Khalistan extremism in a recent review. The review, which was conducted by the UK’s Home Office, stated that such rhetoric and extremism can have a negative impact on the relationship between the UK and India and can also harm the security and stability of both countries.
The review noted that while the people of Kashmir have faced human rights abuses, it is important to understand that the situation in Kashmir is a complex and sensitive issue with a long history. The review emphasized that the UK should approach the issue in a balanced and impartial manner, taking into account the security concerns of both India and Pakistan.
A review into the United Kingdom government’s scheme set up to prevent terrorism has made recommendations for improvements to tackle Islamist extremism as the “primary threat” to the country and also flagged other areas of growing concern, including the radicalisation of U.K. Muslims over Kashmir and “potentially toxic” pro-Khalistan extremism.
On the issue of pro-Khalistan extremism, the report adds, “Prevent should also be mindful of pro-Khalistan extremism emerging from the UK’s Sikh communities. A false narrative is disseminated by the tiny number of pro-Khalistan groups operating in the UK that the government is colluding with its counterpart in India to persecute Sikhs.”
In addition to the issue of Kashmir, the review also addressed the rise of pro-Khalistan extremism in the UK. Pro-Khalistan extremism refers to the support for a separate Sikh state of Khalistan in India. The review stated that the UK government has a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and extremism, regardless of its motivations. The government will take strong action against anyone who promotes or supports terrorism, including those who support pro-Khalistan extremism.
“I have seen evidence of UK extremist groups, as well as a Pakistani cleric with a UK following, calling for the use of violence in Kashmir. I have also seen evidence demonstrating that flashpoints related to Kashmir lead to a significant surge in interest from UK Islamists,” reads the review.
The review also noted that the UK has a long-standing and important relationship with India, both economically and politically. The two countries have close ties in a range of areas, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The review stated that the UK is committed to maintaining and strengthening this relationship and will work with India to address any concerns it may have.
The review is unflinching. Prevent needs major reform. It needs to better understand the threats that we face and the ideology underpinning them, the Indian-origin minister told MPs.
“The truth is that there is nothing anti-Muslim about tackling Islamism, and we must continue to work closely with Muslim communities if we are to do so effectively,” she said.
The UK review warns against anti-India rhetoric over Kashmir and pro-Khalistan extremism, stating that such rhetoric and extremism can harm the relationship between the UK and India and can also pose a security threat to both countries. The UK government is committed to maintaining its close relationship with India and will take strong action against anyone who promotes or supports terrorism or extremism.
