Scrap minorities panel, says VHP

New Delhi: Sangh Parivar affiliate Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday demanded scrapping of the National Commission for Minorities and equated recently appointed chairman of the commission Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi with Pakistan and the separatists for starting a “helpline number for Muslims.” The panel functions under the minority affairs ministry.

Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Rizvi said the helpline was non-functional for the past five years and he has asked to make sure it is functioning. On charges that the helpline is only for the Muslims, the he said: “It is for all minorities.”

Accusing the commission of “strengthening the feeling of separatism among Muslims”, VHP’s Surendra Jain challenged him for an “open debate” on the issue. He also demanded that commission should be scrapped.