Backward Muslims demand 9 per cent special reservation

Lucknow, Apr 16 (UNI) Backward Muslims, who have gathered under an umbrella organisation, today demanded nine per cent 'separate' reservation at all levels to enable them to compete with others.

Talking to reporters on the eve of a Backward Muslim Mahasabha rally here, organisation's national president H A Siddique said to help backward Muslims join the mainstream, the government should amend Article 341 of the Constitution to add 'dalit Muslims' in the list of Scheduled Castes (SC). ''Moreover, a nine per cent separate reservation should also be provided at all levels,'' he said.

Mr Siddique said a Muslim Regiment in the Army should be raised on the lines of Jat, Sikh and Rajput Regiments. He also demanded appointment of Urdu translators in all government and semi-government offices.

''It is necessary to publish data of Muslims compiled on the basis of their educational, economic and social status...it should be much on the lines of data published on Dalits,'' he said.

The organisation had launched a Muslim Chetna Rath yatra from Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on February 24. Tomorrow's rally would mark the culmination of that yatra.

UNI NAB ARS YA GC1755