Hyderabad: Transgender people and sex workers in Hyderabad came together on Tuesday to stage a silent protest over the Manipur violence at the Mother Theresa statue in Secunderabad.
Despite many of the transgender community earning a living by begging on roads, they came together to donate their earnings and savings to distressed Manipuri groups who have come to Hyderabad due to the violence.
During the demonstration on Tuesday, the protesters covered their mouths with black masks and also tied black ribbons to their arms, to show solidarity with Manipur natives, who also joined them in the protest.
Nem Zoukin, a young woman from Manipur, who was carrying a toddler in her arms, said, “We lost everything, and managed to just escape with our lives, taking whatever transport was available. We reached Hyderabad as we have some acquaintances here.”
Lamboi, another Manipur violence victim, said: “The problem started on night of May 3. Our houses were burnt and people were butchered. Without considering anything, we had to run to save our lives.”
She said, “The 143 CRPF battalion helped at that point of time… we came to a camp where around 7,000 people were seeking refuge. We had no food or clothes, and our condition was pathetic. I contacted my relatives here in Hyderabad, and we came her for a safe place. There are also some who are extending their help, like the transgender community.”
Ester, a trans and sex worker activist for I Help organisation, said: “Trans and sex workers were shaken by the serious incidents. It is barbaric that women were paraded naked and raped. There was a series of rapes and houses were vandalised.”
Maatashree Janakamm, a trans woman and an advocate, said: “We need to stand for them, as these are the people who are the victims of religious fanatics. This is the message to culprits — ‘We will fight till the justice is delivered’.”
Premleela, another trans activist, said: “People of Hyderabad are kind and loving; those who came from Manipur will be safe here.”
