Interacting with leaders of the Muslim community, Dr. Singh said several remedial measures needed to be taken to alleviate the educational and socio-economic backwardness of Muslims.

He assured the visiting delegation of his government's committment to restore the minority status of the AMU either through legal means or through a Constitutional amendment.

Singh also assured the 30-member delegation led by the Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, that "the problems of Muslims would be addressed seriously and expeditiously".

Singh went on to say that once the Justice Sachar Committee submitted its report on the actual backwardness of Muslims in various spheres, especially in economic and educational sectors, the Government would evolve a strategy to resolve their problems.

Singh also assured that there would not be victimisation of the minorities either by the police or by any other authorities. He also said that Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2002 would be scrutinised.

The delegation included All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat General Secretary Maulana Amiduz-Zaman Kairanvi, Jamia Masjid Mushawarat Committee Secretary Rahat Mahmood Chaudhary, Muslim Majlis (Uttar Pradesh) President Khalid Sabir, Muslim Mushawarati Board's Maulana Yasin Akhtar Misbahi and Aligarh Muslim University Action Committee's Z K Faizan. (ANI)