JAMMU, February 16: Vehicular traffic at the busy Dogra Chowk rotary was severely disrupted today after a group of persons with disabilities, who have been staging a prolonged protest, blocked the road to press for the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and enhancement of social security pension.
Carrying placards and raising slogans, the protesters stepped onto the roadway, bringing traffic movement to a halt for a considerable period and causing inconvenience to commuters during peak hours. Police personnel deployed at the site intervened promptly and engaged with the demonstrators in an effort to clear the road and restore normal traffic flow. After sustained persuasion, the blockade was lifted and vehicular movement resumed.
The protesting individuals expressed deep frustration over what they described as continued inaction on their long-standing demands. They alleged that despite holding repeated demonstrations and submitting representations to the concerned authorities, their grievances remain unaddressed. The agitators pointed out that senior officials, including the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer, the Tehsildar Jammu and the Director of the Social Welfare Department, had previously visited the protest site and assured them that their issues would be examined. However, they claimed that no meeting has yet been arranged with the Lieutenant Governor or the Chief Minister to discuss their concerns directly.
Central to their demands is the strict implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in the Union Territory. The protesters asserted that several provisions of the legislation, particularly those related to reservation in government employment and educational institutions, have not been effectively enforced. They also called for timely disbursement and enhancement of monthly pension, stating that the existing amount is insufficient to meet basic needs amid rising living costs.
Highlighting the everyday challenges faced by persons with disabilities, the demonstrators drew attention to inadequate infrastructure, limited accessibility in public spaces, scarcity of suitable employment opportunities and delays in welfare assistance. They urged the administration to frame and notify necessary rules under the Act wherever required and to ensure that all government departments adhere strictly to its mandate.
The protest concluded after police intervention and dialogue with the demonstrators, with assurances that their concerns would be conveyed to higher authorities. Traffic at Dogra Chowk was subsequently restored, though the agitation underscored the growing demand for stronger enforcement of disability rights and welfare measures in Jammu and Kashmir.