Several Muslims groups on Monday held protests in New Delhi and asked the government to implement the Ranganath Mishra Commission’s recommendations for 10 percent reservation in government jobs for the community.

Addressing the rally on the Parliament Street organised by the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz, Rajya Sabha MP Ali Anwar Ansari demanded the Schedule Caste (SC) status for dalit Muslims and Christians, Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Mewati Muslims and loan waiver for weavers.

Anwar also accused the government of not being serious in implementing the Ranganath Mishra Commission report. “The treatment of OBC and dalit Muslims should be on par with those in the Hindu community,” he said.

The JD(U) leader from Bihar also pointed out that while the farmers got loan waiver from the government, it is not the case with debt-ridden weavers. He also warned the government against religious discrimination of the Muslim community.

Anwar has been spearheading the agitaiton for the rights of Pasmanda muslims since 1998.

The Popular Front of India also took out a rally at Jantar Mantar and demanded reservation to Muslims in government services and education. “We are not begging any favour, but demanding a right,” said the group’s chairman E.M. Abdul Rahiman.

The Popular Front of India, a socio-political movement has launched nationwide campaign for reservation for Muslims.