Sadiq Khan has condemned a controversial protest set to take place against the Indian Government on the streets of London.

The Mayor said the pro-Kashmir ‘Stand with Kashmir’ march to protest sanctions imposed on the state of Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year should be cancelled.

The north-eastern region, on the border with Pakistan, is the only Muslim majority state in Hindu-dominated India.

But in August, the Indian government revoked Kashmir’s special status – this had previously allowed it to have its own constitution and internal government.

India is now planning to break the region into two separately administered states, with the change coming into force at the end of this month.

The move is seen by opponents as an attack by Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India’s Muslim minority.

But the planned rally in London – expected to see thousands take to the streets outside the Indian High Commission – has sparked concerns.

In August, a pro-Kashmir protest at the Commission turned violent, and four protesters were arrested.

And the timing of Sunday’s march is seen as insensitive, because it falls on the first day of the Hindu festival Diwali, which is sacred to many Indians.

London Assembly member Navin Shah, the Labour representative for Brent and Harrow, wrote to the Mayor last week to voice his concerns about the rally.

Mr Shah said the previous march caused “chaos and mayhem” and called for the protest to be stopped.

Sadiq Khan said that though he could not ban the march, he did not think it should go ahead.

In a letter to Mr Shah, he said: “This march will only deepen divisions at a time when Londoners need to come together.

“That is why I am calling on those organising the march and all those considering taking part in it to think again and cancel their plans.

“The right to protest is an important and valued part of our democracy, but it must always be done peacefully and within the law.”

The Metropolitan Police and protest organisers have been approached for comment.