UK Announces 95,000-pound Funding To Tackle 'pro-Khalistan Extremism' In Britain

United Kingdom's Security Minister Tom Tugendhat on Friday, August 11, announced 95,000-pound (Rs 1 crore) funding to enhance the capability to tackle 'pro-Khalistan extremism' in Britain, which has witnessed a sharp rise in extremist influence.  

The British High Commission said this in a readout on Tugendhat's three-day visit to India that began on Thursday. Tugendhat is in India to bolster bilateral cooperation on security initiatives and attend the G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting.

The fresh investment announcement comes amid growing concerns in India over increasing activities of pro-Khalistani elements in the UK. While remarking on the development, British High Commission in India said, "During a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, in New Delhi on Thursday (10 August), UK’s Security Minister Tom Tugendhat announced new funding to enhance the UK’s capability to tackle Pro-Khalistan Extremism."

It added that the 95,000-pound investment will enhance the government’s understanding of the threat posed by Pro-Khalistan Extremism, complementing the joint work already underway between the UK and India through the Joint Extremism Task Force. 

'Working together against extremism'

While commenting on the funding to tackle extremism in the UK, Tugendhat said, "The living bridge between India and the UK reflects our deep and enduring friendship. As the world's oldest and largest democracies, we have many shared opportunities to make the world a safer and more prosperous place."

"A deeper partnership between our two nations means we can more effectively tackle the security threats. I'm committed to working together to enhance our understanding of and capabilities against extremism --whatever form it takes," he added.