SWABI: The police on Friday arrested three people for shooting at and injuring transgender persons two days ago.

The incident occurred when transgender persons were on way back home at night after a musical show in Jalsai village of Chota Lahor.

DSP Chota Lahor Taj Mohammad said the police recovered three pistols from the suspects identified as Zulfiqar Ali, Faiq Khan and Rahat Ali.

He said the firing was aimed to force the transgender individuals not to participate in musical shows.

The police officer said the transgender persons sustained minor injuries in the firing.

He said an FIR was registered against them under sections 324 and 427 in the Chota Lahor police station.

Sidra, the head of Swabi district transgender association, said the arrested persons should be punished accordingly. She said the district police should provide them security so they could earn their livelihood with peace of mind.

Meanwhile, it has been learnt that elders of various regions have imposed ban on musical shows attended by the transgender persons, arguing that their presence in such functions spoiled the youth.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2021