Transgender community members shout slogans against police. PHOTO: ONLINE
FAISALABAD: The transgender community staged a protest demonstration against killing of their colleague in Faisalabad on Thursday.
The transgender community took to the streets and blocked Faisalabad-Sargodha Road to condemn the murder of a transwoman Ghulam Abbas alias ‘Guria’ who was shot dead on November 7.
They shouted slogans against the police and blamed it for not arresting accused Rana Shakil, who murdered Guria.
The protesters were carrying playcards and demanded immediate arrest of the accused. They also burnt tyres on the thoroughfare and as a result, a massive traffic jam was witnessed and commuters were stranded for hours.
While speaking to The Express Tribune, they said, “Our lives are not safe and we are raped, tortured and manhandled.” They added, “The police is also not helping us and is playing the role of a silent spectator.”
The protesters demanded of the government and police to provide protection to transgender community and award exemplary punishment to those involved in the killing of their colleague.
Meanwhile, higher police officials reached the spot and held negotiations with the protesters.
The police assured them that the culprit would be arrested within 48 hours.
After assurance, the protesters dispersed peacefully but vowed to continue demonstration if the accused was not taken to task within the time frame.
SHO Civil lines Amir Khan told The Express Tribune that a team had been constituted to arrest the accused.
The backdrop
Ghulam Abbas alias Guria was shot dead in the area of Islam Nagar by accused Rana Shakil on November 7.
The civil lines police registered a case against the accused under Section 302 on complaint of deceased’s father Musthaq Ahmad.
Mushthaq Ahmad claimed that accused Shakil Ahmad abducted Guria and tried to rape her but she not only refused but also resisted the attempt. On her refusal, the accused shot her dead.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 9th, 2016.
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