GUJARATI Muslims from East Lancashire have visited the High Commissioner of India to voice concern over the recent troubles in the western state.

The death toll has risen to well above 500 since violence broke out between Hindus and Muslims more than a week ago.

East Lancashire's first Asian peer, Lord Adam Patel, joined a delegation including members of the Lancashire Council of Mosques to press the High Commissioner, Nareshwar Dayal, on the lack of protection accorded to the Muslims by the government of Gujarat.

The Gujarati Muslims Peace Delegation set off to London to see Mr Dayal on a "Blackburn Peace Mission" whose aim is to bring "fraternity, stability and prosperity."

The group, made up of representatives from Mosques, business and the community of Blackburn, had with them a blueprint for the future.

Member Ismail Lorgat, who has family in Gujarat, said the group planned to speak to Mr Dayal to discuss the positive way forward and put an immediate stop to the riots.

He said: "Millions of people from all over the world have condemned these riots and at the same time they are also very worried about the security and welfare of their relatives and loved ones.

"The delegation believes wholeheartedly that grave political issues cannot be settled by the knife, mobs or gangsters.

"It is hoped the visionary plan will be implemented and the delegation is confident that the community and the government will have continuation of dialogue and discussion."

Ibrahim Master, chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said of his visit to London: "Families and indeed whole communities have been made homeless by the riots in Gujarat.

"We are hoping that calm and order will be restored and that both communities go on to live in harmony in a country well known for its secularism."

Lord Adam Patel accompanied Preston MP Mark Hendrick on a visit to local mosques yesterday. The pair held discussion with representatives from several Muslim organisations.