By TCN Staff Reporter,
New Delhi: Demanding to scrap the religious discrimination in reservation for Scheduled Castes and include Muslims and Christian Dalits in SC list, All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz along with a number of Dalit groups (both Muslims and Christian) organized a mass rally at Jantar Mantar today. Implementation of Sachchar Committee and Mishra Commission’s were also demanded. Members of 36 backward communities from 19 states took part in the rally.
Addressing the rally, Rajya Sabha MP and Presindent of All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaj, Ali Anwar warned the central government that, “if UPA does not end the religious discrimination against SCs and STs for Muslims and Christians, they should be ready to bear its repercussions in forthcoming elections”. He also demanded loan waiver of weavers and other small artisans.
Expressing the solidarity with the movement, on behalf of Communist Party of India (Marxist), Rajya Sabha MP Brinda Karat said, “We consider your demand genuine and assure that, we are with you. In this regards, our party has already written to the Prime Minister of India. Today again I demand the same on behalf of my Party”. Trinmool Congress MP and Minister of States for Railways, Sultan Amhad said, “The amendment should be made at the earliest because it is totally unconstitutional”. He also assured the organisers, his and his party support. Sharad Yadav, MP and President of Janata Dal United said, “We are committed for this cause and constantly rallying in different part and will continue to do it”.
Leaders of different Dalit Muslim and Christian communities reiterated their demand for the inclusion of Muslims and Christians in to SC and ST lists. Among the other demands made on the occasion includes, Inclusion of Mewtis in ST list, cheap power and loan to bidi workers, embarkation of quota for backward Muslim women in women reservation bill, proper implementation of PM 15 points program, Caste-wise census in 2010-11.