Jaipur Transgender Community Condemns 'Kinnar Jihad' Allegations Following Arson Attack
In a significant development in Jaipur, members of the transgender community have strongly protested against what they describe as baseless accusations of 'kinnar jihad' following a disturbing incident of arson. The protest comes after a transgender person's residence was deliberately set ablaze on Wednesday in the Mahanto ka Bagh area of Adarsh Nagar, sending shockwaves through the community.
Protest Against Religious Coloration of Territorial Conflict
The Jaipur-based transgender rights organization 3rd Voice organized a demonstration on Thursday, vehemently opposing attempts to give a religious color to what they insist is essentially a conflict over territory. Community representatives expressed deep concern that certain vested interests are using inflammatory terms like 'kinnar jihad' to spread hatred and division.
Deepa Bai, a senior community representative, clarified the situation stating, 'Our elders were assaulted, money was demanded, and we were threatened with eviction. This is not a religious conflict; it is a fight for dominance and control.' She emphasized that the transgender community has always participated equally in the joys and sorrows of people across all religious backgrounds.
Retaliation for Opposition During Transgender Akhara
Community members revealed that the arson attack appears to be retaliation for their opposition to hateful statements made during a significant transgender gathering held last week. The akhara (traditional gathering) on Friday attracted more than 500 transgender persons from diverse regions including Delhi, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, showcasing the community's unity and strength.
Rekha Bai, another community member, shared alarming details about escalating threats preceding the attack. 'We received death threats on WhatsApp 3 to 4 days before the incident. The night before, we were told to 'wait till tomorrow',' she recounted, highlighting the premeditated nature of the violence.
Transgender Community's Stance on Religion and Social Service
Transgender activist Noor Singh Shekhawat made a powerful statement about the community's inclusive nature, asserting, 'Transgender community has neither religion nor caste. We fall under OBC category. We visit every household, Hindu, Muslim or Sikh. Our only religion is humanity.' This sentiment was echoed by other members who emphasized their commitment to social welfare across religious boundaries.
Sunita Bai elaborated on how the community utilizes resources received as blessings for broader social good. 'Whether it is a temple or a madrasa, a community feast or a girl's wedding, we contribute everywhere,' she explained, underscoring their role in supporting various community events regardless of religious affiliation.
Local Support and Broader Implications
The transgender community received support from local residents, including Om Prakash Sharma, a retired bank branch manager who stated, 'I have never seen religious discrimination among them.' This endorsement from a respected community member highlights the disconnect between the accusations of religious bias and the reality of the transgender community's inclusive practices.
The incident raises important questions about:
- The safety and security of transgender individuals in urban areas
- The misuse of religious terminology to justify violence against marginalized communities
- The need for stronger legal protections against hate crimes targeting transgender persons
- The importance of accurate representation of community conflicts without unnecessary religious coloration
As investigations continue into the arson attack, the transgender community's protest serves as a reminder of their ongoing struggle for dignity, security, and fair treatment in society. The events in Jaipur highlight how territorial disputes can be dangerously misrepresented as religious conflicts, potentially escalating tensions and violence against vulnerable populations.
