Disabled persons detained while marching to UN office in J-K

However,the protesters were intercepted mid-way by the police and detained at Rajbagh police station.

“We have been taken into custody at Rajbagh police station. It was a peaceful march to demand our rights,” said Sajad Anwar Masoodi,president of All J&K Handicapped Association (AJKHA).

Police said the protesters were detained as they did not have the permission to carry out the march.

“We could not have allowed them to march to the UN office. They have been detained and will be released soon,” Station House Officer (SHO) of Rajbagh police station Qazi Shams said.

In a letter to United Nation General Secretary Ban Ki Moon,the association of disabled persons had urged him to press the Jammu and Kashmir government to implement the UN articles on persons with disabilities and protect their rights.

“We want your kind self to take some steps in enforcing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities which is a universal claim and has been recognized by UN Declaration of Human Rights,” Masoodi said in the letter.

The Association had also demanded the enhancement of monthly pension from Rs 400 to Rs 1,500,introduction of Braille system from Nursery classes to University level for the blind,deaf and dumb and setting up of an advisory committee for physically challenged people.

They also demanded free education for the children of disabled persons and concession in electricity fee.

AJKHA put the number of disabled persons in the state at 3,63,272 with north Kashmir’s Baramulla and Kupwara districts having the highest number of disabled persons.