Visually impaired and blind people from Kathmandu on Sunday staged a protest rally from Sundhara to Padmodayamod.

The demonstration, aimed at highlighting government neglect of their demands, saw 37 protesters detained by authorities as they tried to protest in designated restricted areas.

Chanting slogans such as ‘meet our demands, do not abuse the blind,’ protesters demanded employment guarantees and an increase in disability allowances.

Earlier on Friday, they submitted a memorandum to Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs, decrying mistreatment by KMC officials and alleging the confiscation of their equipment like mics and speakers from public spaces.

Demonstrators also accused Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah of failing to address their needs, and of deceptive actions.