Shimla, Sept. 2 -- Pensioners from across Himachal Pradesh marched from Chaura Maidan in Shimla to the state assembly on Tuesday, demanding the release of pending pensionary benefits, arrears and medical reimbursements.

The Himachal Pradesh Pensioners Joint Action Committee organised the protest, with pensioners arriving from distant districts, including Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Sirmaur and Kinnaur.

Committee president Suresh Thakur accused the state government of adopting a "step-motherly" attitude towards pensioners, saying the large turnout reflected growing resentment among the pensioners.

"Pensioners aged 80, 90, 92 and even 95 years are being forced to come onto the streets to demand their rights. This is shameful," Thakur said.

Th...