Kinnars hold agitation to demand voting rights

New Delhi, Nov 23 (UNI) A group of agitated eunuchs (kinnars) led by the National Panthers Party were today prevented by the police from marching to Parliament, while they were demanding voting rights in elections.

They later held their agitation near the Sanchar Bhawan. They burnt copies of the Form-6, which is used to apply for inclusion of names in the voters' list.

Talking to reporters, Kinnar front leader Sanjay Sachdev said there are at least 26 lakh 'kinnars' in the country and their non-inclusion in the voters' list was unjust. ''Such a large chunk of the population cannot be denied voting rights,'' he said.

''The Constitution guarantees right to vote to all citizens. But in the Form-6, there is no place for eunuchs as the gender column gives option for male or female,'' he said.

He said once the kinnars are granted voting rights, it would be easier for them to get rights to education, health etc.

Kinnar Front convenor Sita Kinnar said the agitation will not stop until the Kinnars are granted their rights.

UNI