PFB condemns attack on special needs students at SMNR University

PFB condemns attack on special needs students at SMNR University

Ferozepur, December 3, 2023: The Progressive Federation of Blind (PFB) Punjab Unit led by Anil Gupta, General Secretary condemned the attack on students peacefully protesting for basic needs at Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University (SMNR) at Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh).

Anil Gupta said, the physically handicapped students had been protesting, for the last one week, outside the SMNR University for making arrangements for the basic needs which they are being deprived of which include  demanding Braille books, better library, drinking water and medical facility and proper cleaning of hotels among others.  He said, the university was set up for students with special needs but the purpose has been ignored.

He said, when the students were protesting quietly to register their protest, some unidentified persons attacked on the students in which one blind girl student- Pooja Gaur – was seriously injured and admitted in the hospital.  She was referred to the third hospital where she is battling between life and death. Later on, an FIR for assault was registered against five students, under Sections 146, 323 of IPC and Section 89 of Disability Rights Act.

Gupta said, the students have demanded for making immediate arrangements for the basic needs and taking action against Shifali Yadav, Coordinator of the University.