India issues advisory to ensure security for Kashmiris

CHANDIGARH, India

The Indian government on Friday issued an advisory asking all states to ensure security for resident of Jammu and Kashmir across the country amid sporadic reports of mob violence.

The Home Ministry in a tweet asked authorities to "take strict action against the offenders as per the law".

Earlier this week, a video of an incident went viral on social media where several men dressed in bright orange shirts, associated with supporters of the ruling party, beat up a vendor with a stick in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh state, for being Kashmiri.

The vendor was rescued by passers by and since then police have arrested the accused.

Kashmiris have been attacked in other parts of the country in the aftermath of last month's terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir where a local youth rammed an explosive-laden car in a paramilitary convoy leading to the death of at least 40 Indian soldiers.

The Muslim-majority Himalayan region is held by India and Pakistan in parts and claimed by both in full.

Some Kashmiri groups in the region have been fighting against Indian rule for independence, or for unification with neighboring Pakistan.