Thursday, May 4 2006 13:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New York: A US-based human rights group has asked Pakistan to investigate whether militants operating from the country was responsible for the recent killings of Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir.

The 'Human Rights Watch' (HRW) also condemned the violence in Gujarat in which six people were killed and several others injured.

Condemning the killings of Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir, the watchdog's Asia Director Brad Adams said in a statement that Islamabad should launch an inquiry into the 'possible responsibilities' of militant groups operating from Pakistan.

Adams said the recent events in Gujarat show the 'extreme vulnerability' of religious minorities in different parts of India.

"Instead of allowing this violence to deepen religious hatred, the authorities should launch an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted and punished," he said.

"The possibility of a return to massive sectarian violence in Gujarat must be forestalled with prompt action by government authorities," he added.

The watchdog also called for launching of criminal investigations against the perpetrators and organizers of the attacks in Gujarat.

"The National Human Rights Commission of India should launch its own independent investigations into Gujarat violence. The same steps should be taken to address the massacres in Jammu and Kashmir," it added.

The HRW also asked Pakistan to protect the religious rights of minorities.