Kashmir's disabled protest on World Disability Day

Dozens of disabled persons protested here on Thursday on the occasion of World Disability Day, alleging government apathy towards their grievances.

A large number of disabled persons gathered in city centre Lal Chowk, demanding settlement of their long-pending issues including reservation in government jobs and enhancement of their monthly pensions.

"Governments from time to time have given a cold shoulder to our grievances. We have been left to fend for ourselves.

"There should be a separate budgetary allocation for people like us for our rehabilitation," said Abdul Hameed Khan, 69, who was among the protesters.

A large number of police personnel reached the protest site and took many of the protesters in preventive custody.

Many separatist leaders also protested on Thursday calling upon international human rights groups to take notice of the plight of the alleged torture victims rendered disabled in the custody of security forces.

The disabled also urged the state government to provide free education to their children, low interest and subsidy on loans and free medical treatment.