New Delhi, March 16 (IANS): The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) on Monday opposed the merger of Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) with National Institute of Hearing Handicap (NIHH).

"We oppose the cabinet's move to merge ISLRTC with NIHH. It was promised by the government that ISLRTC will be an autonomous body," NAD president Zorin Singha said at a press conference here.

The association demanded that ISLRTC be established as an autonomous institution.

To press for their demands NAD representatives also met union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely, union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and union Minister of State for Home Affairs Thawar Chand Gahlot on Monday.

They have also submitted a memorandum of their demands to the ministers.

"All the ministers listened to our woes and assured us to extend their full cooperation in the consideration of our demands. We are now hopeful of some positive outcome of the meetings," Singha said.

The members also demanded that the Indian sign language should also be given the status of recognised language in the country.

"Indian sign language is the foundation for any development or empowerment of deaf people but still it is not a recognised language. It should be given the status of a recognised language," he added.

The NAD members threatened to launch a nation-wide protest if their demands were not met.