Chhattisgarh: In a first, transgender constables to participate in Republic Day parade

For the first time, two transgender constables from the Chhattisgarh Police's specialized Bastar Fighters unit will participate in the Republic Day parade in Jagdalpur in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

Tomorrow will be a big day for these constables as they will have the opportunity to represent the Bastar Fighters Unit in front of CM Baghel.

In 2021, the Chhattisgarh Police recruited 13 transgender people as constables, with 9 of them being assigned to the unit responsible for operations in the Maoist-affected Bastar region. Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sunderaj P said that this is the first time in the state that transgender people have participated in the parade.

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 “Platoons of Bastar Fighters men, women, and third gender would participate in the Republic Day parade in Jagdalpur on Thursday. This is the first time in the state that people from the third gender are participating in the parade,” said Sunderaj P.

Riya Mandavi, one of the two transgender constables, said this is a proud moment for the entire transgender community.  “Earlier we were treated differently and were discriminated against [and not allowed to do] things which normally men or women do. But after being selected for the police force, we got a positive identity and now we are being looked after with respect and dignity,” Mandavi said.

“We are grateful to the government and police department for this opportunity,” Mandavi added.

Third Gender Welfare Board member Vidhya Rajpoot praised the state police and termed the inclusion a remarkable achievement for the transgender community.