Members of the All India Imam Association took out a march to Uttarkanya, the branch secretariat in Siliguri, and submitted a 12-point charter of demands addressed to the chief minister.

“We want the state government to increase the monthly allowance of imams and muezzins to ₹20,000 and ₹15,000, respectively. This is needed to ensure that they (the clerics) can lead a decent life,” said Md. Bashiruddin, convener of the north Bengal unit of the association.

As of now, imams receive ₹3,000 and muezzins ₹1,500 a month.

On Tuesday, the clerics from different districts of north Bengal assembled in Siliguri. They then started a march to Uttarkanya. On the way, police stopped them and later, a delegation was allowed to visit the branch secretariat and submit the memorandum.

“We also want the state government to set up adequate administrative infrastructure at Uttarkanya. This will help the minority community and others get various government jobs done here, instead of travelling to Calcutta,” Bashiruddin said.

The association also demanded an increase in the number of scholarships for minorities.