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Ethnic monitoring forms issued by Manchester City Council will for the first time include a section specifically for Kashmiri people. Until now they have registered their identity in the 'other origin' category on the forms.

Officials who use the information to monitor the effectiveness of equality policies say that the absence of a specific category for Kasmiris makes it difficult to build up a true picture of their numbers and representation in aspects of Manchester life.

Although the council only publishes ethnic minority statistics based on the Census categories which do not include a Kashmiri section, the additional information now being collected will be used by council officials and will be available on request.

Officers and other interested groups will be able to build up a better picture of social provision being made available for Kashmiris, such as council housing take-up.

Councillor Rizvi , Manchester City Council's equality spokesman, said: "The people of Kashmir have equal rights, as do any other ethnic group. However, we have been falling short, so such a positive move by the City Council will be welcomed and we will continue to work with the Kashmiri community and all communities in Manchester."