Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 13: The J&K Handicapped Association (JKHA) today lashed out at the NC-led Government, accusing it of failing to address their long-pending demands and reneging on promises made to the disabled community.
A number of JKHA members assembled at the Press Enclave here, holding placards and raising slogans in support of their demands.
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The protesters alleged that despite repeated appeals, the Government has not shown seriousness in resolving their issues.
Speaking to reporters, one of the protesters, Wasim Feroz, said that members of the disabled community have been protesting for the past 16 days at Dogra Chowk in Jammu, but no representative from the National Conference (NC) or the BJP has visited them.
“It is unfortunate that nobody from the ruling parties came to meet us. Our issue was raised in the Assembly by Tarigami sahab, but not in the manner we wanted. Our demands are small and can be addressed without difficulty if the Government is willing,” he said.
Feroz alleged that the community’s concerns are being ignored as they do not constitute a significant vote bank.
“Our issues should be resolved on humanitarian grounds. We have highly qualified unemployed persons among us. Another major issue is pension. What is being paid to persons with disabilities in Delhi should also be implemented in J&K,” he said.
He further claimed that over the decades, pension has been increased by only Rs 250, while legislators have nearly doubled their salaries and continue to receive additional benefits.
“We are not against their benefits, but why is our pension not being enhanced to ensure financial security for our people?” he asked.
The protesters also demanded political representation and reservation benefits.
“All other communities have received reservation. Why not us? We need representation so that someone from among us can raise and resolve our issues,” he said.
They alleged that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 has not been fully implemented in the Union Territory.
“In jobs, we are demanding vertical reservation, but we are being given horizontal reservation. All these issues must be addressed without delay so that we are not forced to come onto the roads,” Feroz added.
Another protester, Mushtaq Ahmad alleged that those who have been elected do not working for the betterment of persons with disabilities.
“We have voted for them. Why will they not speak for us? The Chief Minister has forgotten everything,” he said.
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