A SECURITY operation will be launched tonight as up to 1,000 Kashmiri and Pakistani people protest against an Indian diplomat's visit to Blackburn.

In April 2001, India's deputy high commissioner cancelled an engagement at Jan's Conference Centre, in Higher Audley Street, at the last minute, following two telephone threats and a peaceful demonstration by 200 people.

Tonight, East Lancashire's Kashmiri community is again descending on the venue to protest against a visit by Ronen Sen, India's high commissioner, who is based at the country's embassy in London.

Organisers predict that there will be up to 1,000 people this time, with Pakistani people also getting involved.

Police and stewards from the Kashmiri and Pakistani communities will join forces to marshal the crowds and ensure the event passes peacefully.

However, they will not be able to legislate for a repeat of April 2001, when telephone threats made police fear for the diplomat's safety and the visit was cancelled.

The protesters are demonstrating against what they describe as the Indian government's occupation of Kashmir and treatment of their people.

Haji Nazir Alam, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation League UK, said there would be more protesters this time because feelings were running higher due to events in Gujarat in the past two years.

He added: "It will be a peaceful protest. We just want to let the world know about Kashmir. I cannot control if there are telephone threats.We are fighting for our independence."

Mr Sen is scheduled to meet the representatives from the Blackburn-based Indian Workers' Association.

Ibrahim Masters, who has organised the visit for the association, said: "The event will go ahead whatever. A cancellation will definitely not happen this time"

Insp Andy Cameron, of Blackburn police, said: "The organisers are providing stewards to work alongside the police so there are crowd control measures."