Tensions Rise in Shimla as Visually Impaired Protesters Mark 770 Days of Demonstration
Protest Escalates in Shimla
SHIMLA:
The ongoing protest by visually impaired individuals in Shimla has now reached its 770th day, culminating in a heated confrontation with police near the State Secretariat in Chhota Shimla on December 3, 2025.
The demonstrators, who are advocating for the recruitment of backlog positions and timely pension payments, have endured various weather conditions for over two years. Tensions flared when law enforcement attempted to stop them from obstructing traffic.
Shimla's Urban SDM, Oshin Sharma, arrived shortly after the altercation began and was noted for her firm approach towards the protesters. When questioned about government funding, she allegedly stated that she was aware of what a 'darat' (sickle) is and urged the protesters to heed her directions.
This remark sparked immediate backlash, with one protester exclaiming, “This is sheer high-handedness… unbelievable.” The situation escalated, leading the SDM to leave the scene.
Conflict Over Slogans and Accusations
Prior to this, SDM Sharma had expressed disapproval of slogans directed at the Chief Minister, informing the crowd that such chants would not be tolerated. When the protesters inquired about the reasoning behind this, the argument intensified, prompting her to exit the area again.
Just before this exchange, a verbal confrontation arose over allegations that the SDM had accused the protesters of possessing a 'darat'. The demonstrators challenged her to specify where she had seen one. The SDM insisted that the Chief Minister was engaged in the Assembly session and promised to arrange a meeting upon his return, but this was met with louder chants, including “SDM madam ho barbaad.”
A senior police officer also faced criticism for allegedly threatening a disabled protester, stating that if he spoke up again, “his heartbeat would stop.” This incited further slogans from the protesters, targeting the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government with chants like “pension chor, gaddi chhor.”
Ongoing Demands After 771 Days
Rajesh Thakur, secretary of the State Blind Association, highlighted that the visually impaired community has been protesting for 771 consecutive days, seeking recruitment under the backlog quota, increased pensions, and timely payments. He mentioned that they have initiated a relay hunger strike, warning that if the government fails to engage in meaningful discussions, they will escalate to an indefinite hunger strike after December 10.
The protesters claim that despite numerous demonstrations outside the Secretariat over the past two years, no substantial decisions have been made. They argue that the current monthly pension of Rs 1,700 is insufficient and often delayed by up to three months. Additionally, they point out that approximately 1,200 positions designated for disabled candidates remain unfilled due to halted recruitment.
Since forming the Drishtiheen Jan Sangathan on October 25, 2023, the visually impaired community has vowed to intensify their protests, with supporters from across Himachal Pradesh preparing to join them in the upcoming days.