Jammu, Feb 3: A night-long sit-in protest by the All Jammu and Kashmir Handicapped Welfare Association (Regd.) entered its third consecutive day on Tuesday at Dogra Chowk, with persons with disabilities continuing to press for the fulfilment of their long-pending demands.

Braving harsh weather conditions, the protesters remained steadfast, demanding immediate government intervention for the effective implementation of welfare schemes and measures to safeguard the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. They said repeated representations to the authorities over the years had failed to bring any tangible relief.

Members of the association expressed anguish over what they termed persistent official neglect, stating that welfare provisions announced from time to time had not been implemented on the ground, leaving many disabled persons struggling for basic support and livelihood security.

The association reiterated that the sit-in was a compelled step after exhausting all other options. They warned that the agitation could be intensified in the coming days if the administration failed to respond positively, and urged the government to initiate dialogue and address issues related to employment, pensions, medical assistance and disability welfare schemes without further delay.

The protest continued peacefully as of Tuesday evening, with demonstrators vowing to remain at the site until their demands are addressed.