Saturday, September 17 2005 19:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: A workshop on the condition of minorities in SAARC countries today (Sept 17, 2005) decided to suggest formation of a Council comprising representatives of the member countries to make efforts to protect minority rights.

The decision of the workshop is expected to be formally declared tomorrow at the conclusion of the three-day event, in which over 30 delegates from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan are participating.

Addressing a session on ethnic violence, state violence and security of the minorities, speakers made a scathing attack on the instruments of the State including the police and administration, which, they felt, colluded with the political and other classes responsible for fomenting communal trouble and failed to play their role as peacekeepers.

Pakistani peace activist Saima Hasrat spoke not only of violence against minorities in her country but also referred to several laws, which 'discriminated' against these sections of the populace.

She blamed militant outfits like Sipah-e-Sahaba and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi for mounting attacks on the Shia community, as well as those against minorities. Vandalising temples and churches and similar acts of terror against minorities were also taking place at regular intervals, Hasrat said.

She said the Pakistani Law of Evidence, besides those on creation of separate electorates and blasphemy discriminated against the minorities and isolated them too.

The session was chaired by Minister of State for Food Processing Subodh Kant Sahay and co-chaired by Pakistan's National Assembly Member Devdas.