An umbrella body of minority community members Saturday listed a set of 14 demands for political parties for the April-May Lok Sabha polls.
The Minority Coordination Committee said the demands include amendment to the National Commission for Minorities Act, setting up of a ministry of minority affairs in all states, establishment of an equal opportunities commission, special budget provisions for minorities and enacting laws to prevent communal violence.
The Minority Coordination Committee convener Mujahid Nafees told reporters the charter of demands would be conveyed to all parties and candidates contesting from the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat.
"These are issues related to the development and existence of minorities in the country. Our demands are being made for the first time in an organised manner. We hope parties will implement them after coming to power," Nafees said.
The committee also wants to set up a judicial inquiry commission to probe police encounters, banning of training and exhibition of arms by certain organisations, protection of Wakf properties, strengthening the Minority Finance and Development Corporation as well as enacting laws to ensure political participation.
Highlighting the need to amend the National Commission for Minorities Act 1992, Nafees alleged it was an "ineffective legislation" with powers that are not clearly marked.
He said an equal opportunities commission needs to be set up so that the country's Muslims can tide over the rampant discrimination they are subject to.
"The representation of minorities in politics is less as per their population and they are a victims of political untouchability in the country. Therefore, laws should be made to ensure political representation of the deprived classes. We have made this demand as well," Nafees said.
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