World Disability Day: Handicapped Association protests in Srinagar, expresses protest over pending demands:

News Topical, Digital Desk : A day before World Disability Day, members of the Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Association protested in Srinagar, demanding the government fulfill long-pending demands related to social security, financial relief, and legal safeguards.

All members gathered at the Press Enclave in Srinagar. They carried placards and banners demanding justice and highlighting the hardships faced by people with disabilities. They chanted slogans and demanded immediate attention to the ongoing neglect and discrimination.

The president of the association made allegations

During the protest, the association's president, Abdul Rashid Bhat, alleged that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, which was implemented across the country, was not implemented in the true spirit in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The Disability Act was implemented in other states years ago, but not here. We are still waiting for our legal rights to be recognized at the grassroots level," Bhat said.

Criticized the current pension amount

He also criticized the current pension amount for people with disabilities, calling it insufficient in the current economic situation. He said, "Our monthly pension is only 1,250 rupees, which is nothing in this era of inflation. We demand that it be increased to at least 3,000 rupees."

Speaking about financial difficulties, Bhat demanded interest-free loans for people with disabilities so they can live comfortably. He said, “We should be given interest-free loans so we can start small businesses and stand on our own feet.”

The association demanded special exemption

The association also demanded special discounts on essential commodities, including a reduction in LPG prices for people with disabilities. "We are only given assurances. Nothing changes on the ground," Bhat alleged, warning that if their demands are not met, the association will launch an indefinite protest outside the Jammu Assembly Secretariat.

It should be noted that the protest ended peacefully. The protesters reiterated their intention to intensify the movement until the administration takes concrete action. For now, the protest was ended with assurances to everyone.