Physically challenged persons in Jammu and Kashmir have raised a comprehensive charter of demands seeking enhanced social security, better employment opportunities, accessible infrastructure, and full implementation of welfare laws aimed at safeguarding the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

As per the handout, the demands include a substantial increase in monthly disability pension from the existing Rs 1,250 to Rs 5,000 or more. “The current amount is insufficient to meet even basic daily expenses amid rising inflation,” the handout reads.

The physically challenged persons have also sought a separate and regular recruitment drive for qualified PwDs in government departments and called for converting the existing horizontal reservation into vertical reservation on the lines of SC, ST, and OBC categories to ensure adequate representation in jobs.

The association has also sought strict enforcement of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and stressed the need for effective implementation of all provisions of the Act in J&K.

Among other key demands, PwDs have sought low-interest loans and subsidies for self-employment and small business initiatives to help them become financially independent. They have also demanded reservation in Panchayats, Municipalities, and Urban Local Bodies to ensure political participation and representation.

They also demanded establishment of rehabilitation and skill development centres in every district besides free or highly subsidised medical treatment for physically challenged persons.

They have also sought 50 percent concessions in electricity and other utility services along with subsidies on LPG, ration, and other essential commodities.

The specially abled persons demanded institutional support and urged the government to constitute a dedicated Advisory Board for PwDs in Jammu and Kashmir to address issues concerning their welfare and rights.

The association has further stressed the need for barrier-free infrastructure in all government buildings, schools, hospitals, and public places to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. In the education sector, the demands include free education, scholarships, assistive devices, and establishment of special schools and facilities for visually and hearing impaired persons.

The physically challenged persons have also called for creation of a separate ministry or department exclusively for the welfare of PwDs in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, they demanded special reservation and suitable work provisions for PwDs under the MGNREGA scheme.

They also sought enhancement in the age limit for providing motorised tricycles from 50 years to 60 years and demanded that exchange or replacement of motorised tricycles should be permitted only after six years.

Baramulla, May 20: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister SurinderChowdhary on Wednesday questioned the role of the Forest Department and police in the recent demolition drive at Sidra, terming the action “unfortunate” and alleging that the land under dispute was state land and not forest property.

Speaking during his visit to Uri on Wednesday, the Deputy CM said the demolition drive had inflicted huge losses on poor residents and described such measures as “against humanity.”

He said those carrying out demolitions fail to understand the sacrifices and years of hard work involved in building a house.

Choudhary asserted that the land under dispute was state land and not forest property.

“If the land belongs to the state, then why was the Forest Department involved in the demolition process?” he asked.

He further alleged that, ironically, both the Forest Department and the police do not function under the jurisdiction of the elected government.

He said the Jammu and Kashmir government had written to Prime Minister NarendraModi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging that such incidents should not take place with poor people in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that the Jammu and Kashmir Government has already constituted a fact-finding committee to probe alleged violations of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

According to an order issued by the Department of Tribal Affairs, the two-member committee comprises Director Tribal Affairs, Mohammad Mumtaz Ali, and Assistant Director Tribal Affairs, Muzamil Hassan Choudhary.

The panel has been tasked with examining any violation of the Forest Rights Act in connection with the recent demolitions and has been asked to submit its report within seven days.

The demolition drive, carried out jointly by officials of the Forest Department, Revenue Department and Police, sparked protests and criticism from members of the Gujjar-Bakarwal community and several political parties, who alleged that the action was conducted without prior notice and in violation of tribal rights.

The Deputy Chief Minister, who is on a two-day tour of Uri and Handwara, also raised concerns over the lack of bunkers in border areas. He said the government has already recommended construction of more bunkers to ensure the safety of civilians during cross-border shelling.

He said they are optimistic that the recommended bunkers by the Government will be sanctioned soon by the centre.

:Srinagar, May 20: Police in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district have denied reports that First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against people who attended the funeral of noted Islamic scholar and former chief of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, Sheikh Ghulam Hassan.

Police authorities said a few individuals were summoned only as part of preventive measures aimed at maintaining peace after slogans were reportedly raised during the funeral procession.

“We have not registered any FIR,” Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kulgam, Anayat Ali Choudhary, told Greater Kashmir.

He said some “responsible citizens” were called by the police after slogans were allegedly raised during the funeral proceedings.

“On the first day, there were some slogans and we urged them not to breach the peace. This was part of a preventive measure,” the SSP said.

He said police had appealed to people to mourn the scholar’s demise peacefully and avoid raising slogans or making speeches that could create law and order issues.

Police officials maintained that the action was intended solely to preserve public order and prevent any untoward incident, and not to target mourners attending the funeral.

“Calling responsible citizens was a measure to appeal for calm and to ensure that the peaceful funeral did not lead to any untoward incident,” a police official said.

Sheikh Ghulam Hassan, a resident of Tarigam village in Kulgam district, passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness. Regarded as a respected Islamic scholar in Kashmir, he had served twice as Ameer, or chief, of the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir before the organisation was banned.

His death drew widespread condolences from across the Kashmir Valley, with religious, social and political figures paying tribute to his contribution to Islamic scholarship and community affairs.

The Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir was banned by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in February 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for a period of five years. The ban was later extended in 2024.

The Centre had cited the organisation’s alleged links with terror groups, involvement in activities aimed at fomenting terrorism, and promotion of secessionist ideology that undermined India’s sovereignty and integrity.