Justice Ejaz Afzal of the Supreme Court has promised swift justice to transgender persons in the murder case of their community member Munni, who was shot dead at a wedding ceremony in the city Friday night.
During a protest outside Mansehra Press Club on Saturday, the transgender persons demanded killings of their community members be stopped and they be provided justice. The protesters also demanded action against the police personnel who allegedly helped the accused escape the scene.
Since the press club is situated on premises of the district bar, protesting transgender persons were able to express their grievances and concerns before the Supreme Court judge, who was on a visit to the court.
Munni was shot dead Friday night at a wedding event she and her friends were performing, reportedly over refusing to provide change for Rs 1,000.
A man called Riaz took Rs 1,000 to Munni and her group for change as they were expected to have it after collecting notes showered on them, one of Munni’s friends present at the wedding told a private TV channel.
She said they provided him with the amount, but he approached them again twice asking for change for the Rs 1,000 note he had shown them earlier.
Shemale Association Mansehra President Maria Khan told the media that Munni refused to provide him with more change as she knew he was tricking them. The refusal led to an altercation between the two, following which Riaz opened fire at Munni, Maria said. She added Munni’s friend caught Riaz and handed him over to policemen at the check post near King Abdullah Hospital, but they helped him escape.
Later, the bereaved transgender persons took Munni’s body to Abbottabad Road and blocked the route for traffic. They protested again at the hospital till a case was filed against the accused.
Published in Daily Times, May 6th 2018.
