Bastar: A senior official revealed on Tuesday that nine transgender people were among the 2,100 constables chosen for the “Bastar Fighters,” a new specialised force of the Chhattisgarh Police that will be stationed in the state’s Maoist-affected Bastar division.
To bring a fresh perspective to enforcement in the tribal dominant region, the state police have for the first time recruited transgender people for deployment in the Bastar range. Congratulating them on their selection, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P stated, “Since transgender persons would be inducted for the first time into police in the Bastar range, we are optimistic that it would give a new dimension and viewpoint to policing in the region.”
The nine Transgender candidates chosen were from the Kanker district, and one from the Bastar district. To ensure that third-gender police officers don’t experience any form of discrimination inside the force, the IGP stated, “We will attempt to create a supportive work climate and facilities for them.”
Before beginning their duties, they will receive training at the Police Training School Mana in Raipur, the IGP officer continued. The government of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel made the decision to create a separate force called “Bastar Fighters” and designate it as the core element of the campaign against the Naxal movement. Bastar Fighters will only recruit young people from the area who are familiar with its culture, language, geography, and ties to tribal people.