Kathmandu, December 25:

The United National Disabled Movement (UNDM), a struggle committee of the people living with disabilities, organised a sit-in at the southern gate of Singhadurbar today, demanding at least 10 per cent proportionate representation of disabled people in the upcoming Constituent Assembly polls.

People living with all kinds of disabilities were present at the protest programme, organised to put pressure on the government to meet their demands.

At the programme, parliamentarian Nanda Kumar Prasain and Yagya Bahadur Rayamajhi expressed their solidarity with the UNDM. They also promised to raise voice for the rights of the disabled in their respective parties and the parliament.

Speakers at the programme said they would go for stronger protests if their voices were unheard.

According to Rukmangat Neupane, coordinator of the UNDM, the sit-in protest will continue for an indefinite period, until their demands are addressed.

Over 22 organisations working for the rights of disabled people have joined hands and launched the movement to pressurise the government.

The UNDM has put forth 21-point charter of demands that include proportionate representation in CA polls, guarantee of their rights in the interim constitution, employment, disabled-friendly education and formation of a commission for the welfare of disabled persons.

They have already submitted a letter of memorandum to the PM. They plan to hand over similar letters to the Speaker, election commission, political parties, MPs, diplomatic missions, and national and international human rights organisations.