(ICC) – Christian Parlimentarians met with Christian representatives to discuss the treatment of Dalits (untouchables) as well as the ongoing persecution of Christians in certain states. The Christian community representatives stressed that the Christian community in India is asking not for anything special but it wants equal rights and opportunities, just as other religious communities in India have. It was also stressed that discrimination based on religious affinity certainly goes contrary to the letter and spirit of the Constitution of India, and therefore, any law, institution, convention or practice that is violative of this Constitutional provision should be amended. The Dalit Christians have been asking for getting the same affirmative action benefits available to Dalits who follow other religions.