Srinagar, Dec 25 (IANS): All Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Justice Front on Friday demanded a public holiday to commemorate the birthday of the 4th Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Ali.

In a statement issued by their chairman, Syed Abbas Rivzi said: "India is a secular country and every religion in India has its holidays.

"Unfortunately the Shia community of Muslims is deprived of its right. I request the government of India to declare 13th Rajab, which according to the Islamic calendar is the birthday of Hazrat Ali, as an optional holiday."

Rizvi said when the birthday of Kashmiri leader, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah can be included in J&K's list of public holidays what justification can be given for ignoring the birthday of Imam Hazrat Ali.

Caliph Ali was the 4th Caliph of Muslims who ruled for five years before his assassination. He was the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad.

Shia Muslims hold Ali in the highest esteem after the Prophet.