Tsewang Rigzin
Leh, Apr 19: Non-Government Organisation (NGO), The People’s Action Group for Inclusive Rights (PAGIR), began a hunger strike in Leh today, pressing for the rights of differently-abled persons in Ladakh.
Led by its president Tsewang Dorjey, PAGIR demanded the nomination of a representative for the specially-abled community in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh and implementation of job reservations as per Government norms.
The NGO also urged the administration to make all Government buildings, banks, parks, and public offices accessible by installing ramps, lifts, and other basic facilities.
Dorjey said the recent General Council meeting of the Hill Council ignored the needs of the differently-abled community.
“Nothing seems to have been discussed for the welfare of disabled people,” he said, adding that the strike would continue until their issues are addressed.
The protest received support from several individuals and organisations.
Jigmet Rafstan, President of the youth wing of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, met the protesters and assured support.
He said he would write to the Hill Council and the UT administration in favour of their demands.
Deputy Chairman of LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk, later responded to the protest, saying the Council had already taken several steps under the leadership of Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyalson, including distribution of tri-scooters and other aids.
He said the Council had recently discussed the issue of accessibility in public buildings and decided to install ramps and lifts in Government offices.
Angchuk urged the protesters to end the hunger strike and assured that their concerns would be looked into at the earliest.
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