Authorities block protest by persons with disabilities in Srinagar

Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, authorities prevented members of the Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Association (JKHA) from holding a peaceful protest in Srinagar, prompting the organization to warn of launching a hunger strike from August 16 if its long-pending demands continue to be ignored.

According to Kashmir Media Service, members of the association gathered at Srinagar’s Press Enclave to resume their protest but were not allowed to stage an indefinite sit-in. The protesters said they had deferred the demonstration until August 15, hoping the authorities would address their grievances.

JKHA President Abdul Rashid said the association had earlier staged an 18-day sit-in in Jammu in February, which ended after senior officials assured them that their demands would be resolved. However, he said repeated attempts to secure meetings with the authorities since then have gone unanswered.

He said the association is demanding implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, enhancement of disability pension, a special recruitment drive for educated persons with disabilities, vertical reservation in government jobs and other welfare measures.

District President of the association from Kulgam, Muhammad Abbas Wani, termed the demands genuine and urged the authorities to increase disability pensions and provide concessions in electricity bills.

The protesters warned that if the authorities fail to fulfil their commitments by August 15, they will resume their agitation with a hunger strike from August 16.