London, Jan 30 (PTI): Two types of extremism with their origins in the Indian subcontinent -- pro-Khalistan extremism and Hindu nationalist extremism -- have been flagged as threats to “understand” in a leaked report into the UK government’s ‘Extremism Review’.

‘Extremely Confused: The government’s new counter-extremism review revealed’, authored by Andrew Gilligan and Dr Paul Scott for the Policy Exchange think tank released earlier this week, claims 'Hindu nationalist extremism' has found a mention in such a review for the first time.

UK Home Office Security Minister Dan Jarvis told the House of Commons on Tuesday that it was “not entirely clear which version of the report was leaked” and stressed that its claims did not represent government policy.

It follows Home Secretary Yvette Cooper ordering a ‘Rapid Analytical Sprint’ last August to determine the Labour government’s policy on extremism.

As per the leaked report, the longest section is labelled “Understand” and lists nine types of extremism in the following order – “Islamist, extreme right-wing, extreme misogyny, pro-Khalistan extremism, Hindu nationalist extremism, environmental extremism, Left wing, anarchist and 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," it reads.

The report does however recognise that concerns exist about the Indian government’s "overseas role", including accusations of Indian involvement in "deadly violence against Sikhs in Canada and the United States".

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.

“Equally notable here is the declaration that in Leicester ‘key voices within both Muslim and Hindu communities also played a significant role in opportunistically exploiting tensions and inciting hate among the local communities’.”

The Opposition Conservative Party raised the leaked report's findings in Parliament, with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp questioning the government’s approach towards tackling different forms 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.

The Home Office also reiterated that the findings of the ‘Rapid Analytical Sprint’ “have not been formally agreed by ministers” as the government considers a “wide range of potential next steps arising from that work”.

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Dubai, Feb 21 (PTI): Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi firmly believes India is clearly the stronger side given that it has more match-winners compared to it's arch-rivals, and the best way to negate that advantage in the upcoming Champions Trophy marquee clash would be to put in a collective effort.

Pakistan are in a must-win situation when it takes on India here on Sunday after suffering a massive 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi. India, on the other hand, will come into the high-voltage contest on the back of a sure-footed performance against Bangladesh here on Thursday.

 

"If we talk about match-winners, I'd say that India has more match-winners compared to Pakistan. A match-winner is someone who knows how to win the game single-handedly. Right now, we don't have such players in Pakistan," former Pakistan skipper Afridi said on JioHotstar's 'Greatest Rivalry Returns' episode.

He said that India's middle and lower-order had played vital roles in the team's wins, while the same could not be said about Pakistan.

"India's strength lies in its middle and lower order, which has been winning them matches. For a long time, we have been giving opportunities to players, but no one has stepped up consistently.

"Some have performed in a few games, but we don't have players who have sustained their performance for a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches. That's where we are a little weaker compared to India, which is very strong in this area." Afridi said every player in Pakistan side will have to give his best in order to overcome the arch-rivals.

"The key to winning against India is collective performance -- whether it's the batsmen, bowlers, or spinners -- everyone's contribution is crucial." However, India's World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh felt Pakistan will have an edge as they have played a lot of their cricket in Dubai.

Pakistan were forced to play their home games in the UAE following the militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in 2009.

"I actually think Pakistan has an advantage because they have a base in Dubai. They have played a lot of cricket there and understand the conditions well. On slower wickets, Indian and Pakistani players are among the best, who have always played spin well," said Yuvraj.

While agreeing with Afridi that India had more match-winners, Yuvraj added that adapting to the situation and not letting pressure overwhelm the cricketers would play a bigger role in the clash.

"You talk about match-winners - yes, I agree with Shahid Afridi that we have more match-winners. But I believe that even if Pakistan has fewer match-winners, one player can still take the game away.

"The India-Pakistan clash is not about match-winners alone; it's about playing in the moment, adapting to the situation, and not letting expectations overwhelm you. The team that does this better will win the game for their country," said Yuvraj.

He also said that skipper Rohit Sharma's form wasn't a big concern as he is a proven match-winner along with Virat Kohli.

"Rohit Sharma, whether in form or out of form, it doesn't matter to me. I would always back my match-winners. In ODI cricket, especially in white-ball formats, he has been India's biggest match-winner as a batsman, alongside Virat Kohli.

"If Rohit is struggling but still gets runs, that's dangerous for the opposition. If he's in form, he will score a century in 60 balls. That's his quality - once he gets going, he's not just hitting fours; he's clearing the ropes with sixes.

"He is also one of the best players of the short ball. Even if someone bowls at 145-150 kmph, Rohit has the ability to hook it effortlessly. His strike rate is always between 120-140, and on his day, he can single-handedly win you the game," added Yuvraj.