LUCKNOW, India: Shia Democratic Alliance, SDA, staged a sit-in at the Indian Vidhan Sabha Demanding an equal representation for Shias in the decision-making bodies in the country.

Leading the protest, president SDA Maulana Ali Hussain Kummi lamented the step-motherly treatment meted out to the community in the state.

"The aim of our party is to spread awareness among the five-crore strong Shia community so that they can realise their true worth as a vote bank. Our's would be the first party to fight for the rights of the Shias in the country. Shia are scattered all over the country and that is the reason why all political parties have overlooked them," he said.

Shia have always been denied their fair share in all decision-making bodies, be it the Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha. They have been left out of the reservation issue. There is no one to speak for them, Maulana said.

Maulana Tehzeeb Ali Jaunpuri, Maulana Taqi Rizvi Mujtahid, Maulana Akhtar Hussain, Maulana Shabahat Hussain, Maulana Mumtaz Ali, Maulana Meesam Zaidi, Ali Abbas, Maulana Muttaqi Zaidi, Qausar, Aqil Khan, Mohsin Askari and Fazil Hussain and others were also a part of the protest.

In a memorandum to the chief minister, the SDA demanded benefits for Shias under minority schemes, more employment opportunities, representation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, schools and health centres for economically weaker section of the community, Haj benefits and freedom to perform Haj as per Shia customs, a separate Haj house and holiday on Eid.

Maulana also announced his support to the parties working for the cause of Shias in the state. He said that his party does not believe in dividing people on communal lines and is committed to work for national integration.