Day Three of Protest by Persons With Disabilities Sees No Government Outreach, Say Demonstrators

Jammu, Feb 3, KNT: The night-long sit-in protest by the All Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Welfare Association (Regd.) entered its third consecutive day on Tuesday at Dogra Chowk here, with persons with disabilities continuing to press for fulfillment of their long-pending demands.

Despite harsh weather conditions and prolonged hours of protest, the demonstrators remained steadfast, seeking immediate government intervention for the implementation of welfare schemes and measures aimed at safeguarding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Protesters said their repeated representations to the authorities over the years had failed to yield concrete results.

Members of the association expressed deep anguish over what they described as continued official neglect, stating that essential welfare provisions announced from time to time had not translated into relief on the ground. They said the absence of a clear response from the administration had left many disabled inhabitants struggling for basic support and livelihood security.

The association reiterated that the ongoing sit-in was not symbolic but a compelled step taken after exhaustion of all other channels. Protesters said their movement would continue until justice was delivered and meaningful assurances were provided by the government.

Warning of intensifying the agitation, the association cautioned that the protest could be escalated in the coming days if the authorities failed to respond positively to their demands. They urged the administration to initiate dialogue and address issues related to employment, pensions, medical assistance and implementation of disability welfare schemes without further delay.

The protest at Dogra Chowk continued peacefully as of Tuesday evening, with demonstrators vowing to remain at the site until their voices were heard. [KNT]