UK govt flags ‘Hindu nationalist extremism’ as national security threat: report

The UK government identified ‘Hindu nationalist extremism” as a national security threat, due to its role in inciting riots across the country. Supporters of far-right Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were found involved in provoking violence in several places.

A UK Home Office report, commissioned in August 2024, specifically highlighted the 2022 Leicester riots, stating that extremist Hindus played a central role in the unrest.

The details were revealed after a document to the think tank Policy Exchange was leaked, emphasising the need to adopt policing measures to counter these rapidly growing extremist tendencies.

The riots began when 200 Hindus, with their faces covered, marched through the Highfields area chanting “Jai Shri Ram.” The British government report cites Hindutva extremism as a major factor behind the violence.

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The report identified eight types of extremism in the UK, including Hindu nationalism and pro-Khalistan ideology, and called for measures to contain them.

A May 2023 report by the Daily Mail also attributed the Leicester riots to activists linked to India’s ruling BJP party.

Following the riots, Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby stated:

"Hindutva ideology is a key factor in these events. The leaked report proves that Hindutva has been discussed in detail in a major policy document. This is the first time Hindutva extremism has been addressed extensively in a government report."

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Similarly, a report by Yvette Cooper, published in The Guardian, identified Hindu nationalism as a major driver of extremism.

The extremist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), closely linked to Indian Prime Minister Modi, has been instrumental in strengthening Hindutva influence.