NEW DELHI, India: Shia Muslims in India have demanded protection of their social, religious and political rights by means of representation in Parliament.

President of All India Shia Personal Law Board Maulana Mirza Mohammad Atahar said despite repeated reminders to the government, their demands were unheard.

''There is no representative from our sect in Parliament because of which, there is nobody in the government who could listen to our plight. We are ignored by both the government and the political parties,'' he said.

Shias number around five crore (50 million) in the country.

Moulana Atahar claimed that Shias were deprived of their political rights since Independence. ''The vote politics has harmed us,'' he said.

''We have to suffer a lot, while going for Haj because we are not given any subsidy for the same since 70s. Similar problem is faced to get the visa for Iraq and Iran,'' he noted.

The community also sought reservation in various government sectors like Dalits and other weaker sections in the society.

''This will prevent us from any subjection to coercion by progressive and influential sections of the society,'' he asserted.

''We do not believe in violence and improper means of protest.

We love peace and so wish to raise our voice through peaceful meeting only,'' he claimed.

He also noted various other problems faced by the sect like in educational sector, employment sector, defence and others.