A long-running protest by visually impaired persons in Himachal Pradesh has crossed a staggering 918 days, with tensions flaring in Shimla on Tuesday.
Members of the Blind Persons Association clashed briefly with police outside the State Secretariat as they intensified their agitation over pending government job vacancies.
In a dramatic escalation, shirtless protesters blocked the Circular Road connecting Shimla to Sanjauli, bringing traffic to a halt for hours and raising slogans against the state government.
The association says nearly 1,100 posts reserved for visually impaired candidates across departments remain unfilled, despite repeated assurances.
Protesters have now issued a one-week ultimatum, demanding a written commitment for a meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Voices on the ground are growing sharper, with some warning of extreme steps if their demands are not addressed within the deadline.
Association Secretary Rajesh Thakur says the protest is about constitutional rights, accusing the government of prolonged inaction. For now, the agitation shows no signs of slowing down.