In a country where Hinduism is a dominant religion, Muslim community’s major grievance is that they are deprived of the basic rights, generally enjoyed by the majority.

They demand that a constitutional provision guaranteeing their rights as that of other fractions of Nepali society be included in the amendment of the Constitution

The Muslim population in the country is around 2.5 million, well over 10 per cent of the total population of the country, but the national census does not show the figure more than 4.2 per cent, Muslims said at a conference on ‘the problems faced by Muslims and constitutional amendment.’ The programme was organised by the Nepal Muslim Ittehad Association (NMIA) here on Saturday.

Of the total Muslim population in Nepal, only one per cent is prosperous, the rest are struggling with hand to mouth problem, said representatives of the community. “A small number of wealthy Muslims are the target of public slander, who are often considered Pakistani intelligence agents — ISI or are accused of amassing wealth from the Middle East,” said Nazir Miya, president of NMTA.

Among other things, he pointed out that the non- governmental organisations working for the welfare of the Muslim community have to undergo major problems.

International non-governmental organisations hesitate to provide financial assistance to such NGOs, on the other hand, other NGOs assisting other communities, refuse to aid the Muslims in rural areas, he added.

“Since the Constitution does not guarantee rights to the Muslims, we ask for equal rights and justice enjoyed by other Nepali communities,’ said Dr Zahir Hassan, member of NMIA. Negative effects seen in the community from social, economic to religious factors are a direct offshoot of discrimination by the state and society.

Representatives of the community pointed out that they face many problems – citizenships are not easily given to the Muslims living in the country for centuries, their language is not yet recognised by the state. There is no legal recognition of Madarasa education centres and the law for Muslim weddings are non-existent. The government does not allow Mosques and other places of religious importance to be built in the name of the Muslim communities.

They stressed the need for a Muslim representative to be included while selecting members of the working committee for the constitution amendment.

They demanded for the Muslim community’s representation in the National Assembly and the inclusion of 10 per cent of the 205 -seat of house of representatives in the cabinet, out of that one should be from the Muslim community.