Physically-challenged protesters detained

Over a dozen physically-challenged people were today detained by Jammu and Kashmir police after they tried to take out a protest rally in support of their demands.

Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Association (JKHA) members held a protest at press enclave against the alleged "non-serious" approach of the state government in addressing the problems of persons with disabilities.

However, as soon as the members tried to march towards the Civil Secretariat - the seat of Jammu and Kashmir government - police swung into action and detained around a dozen of them, a police official said.

They demanded reservation in jobs, financial assistance, loans at nominal interest rates, establishment of advisory board for physically challenged people, separate counters in government and semi-government departments and concession in electricity and water tariff.