In a 1st, transgender Bastar Fighters to join Republic Day parade in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: For the first time, eight transgenders will march in the Republic Day Parade as part of the Bastar Fighters contingent in Jagdalpur on Thursday.

Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel will unfurl the Tricolour and take the salute at the R-Day Parade at Jagdalpur, divisional headquarters of Maoist-affected Bastar region.

“It’s a small but significant opportunity being provided to local youth as well as the discriminated and neglected section of society,” Bastar district collector Chandan Kumar told TOI, adding, “It will boost their morale and make our society more inclusive and progressive.”

” The Bastar Fighters is a special force raised by recruiting around 2,100 local youth, mostly tribals. This is meant to ensure active and effective participation of the native population in the process of development, security and peace in the region, an official said. Eight transgender candidates were recruited into Bastar Police – a first – and all of them will participate in the parade.

Bastar Range IG Sunderraj P said it’s the first time that people from the third gender are participating. Riya Mandavi, Himanshi Sori, Damini, Seema Pradhan, Divya Nishad, Shanu, Sandhya Patel and Rani will march shoulder to shoulder with their colleagues in the Bastar Fighters platoon. The transgender community is buoyed. “It’s a proud moment, an honour for our community, which was long neglected,” said Mitwa Sankalp Samiti founder and Chhattisgarh Third Gender Welfare Board member Vidya Rajput. “Our members are going to script history,” said Vidya.

Courtesy : TOI

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