Transgender in Manipur face mental as well as physical harassment at the entry gates and washrooms at the venues of the ongoing Sangai Festival. They request the Tourism Department to provide separate entry gates and washrooms at the event sites.
While interacting with media persons at Manipur Press Club, Sandra Nandeibam, Brand Ambassador, Sana Ebemma, told media that they are facing social dilemma while visiting the ongoing Sangai Festival. Sandra said they are being harassed while they stand at the queue on ladies side at the entry gate. Security personals deployed over their send away not to stand among ladies using abusing languages, again if they stand at Gents’ side they are facing inconveniences.
Moreover while using Gent’s washroom, they are being mentally and physically harassed, complained Sandra.
Sandra further said regarding separate entry gate and washroom they had already submitted a memorandum to the Director, Department of Tourism with each copy to Staff Officer to the Chief Secretary, GOM, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East, SP of Police, Imphal East but there were no positive response. So, viewing the inconveniences, Sandra requested the concern authorities to make arrangements in the remaining 7 days of the mega extravaganza as well as in any social gathering events in future too.