Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 22:
Transvestite (Nupi Manbi Nupa) population in Manipur who are also considered high risk behaviour group of HIV/AID infection/affection have appealed to Manipur AIDS Control Society (MACS) and National AIDS Control Society (NACO) for paying special attention to their problems at the time of formulation policies and programmes related to HIV/AIDS issues.
Speaking on behalf of the population of transvestite in Manipur during a programme held on the theme of �Indian People�s Tribunal on Stigma and Discrimination towards People Living with HIV/AIDS � at the conference hall of Institute of Co-operative Management at Lamphelpat her today, one Nupi Manbi Nupa pointed out that in order to prevent spread of HIV/AIDS, the problem being faced by the transvestite population in the society should also given due recognition and addressed properly.
The programme which would continue for over two days is being organised jointly by Human Rights Law Network, Manipur Network of Positive People and Social Awareness Service Organisation.
Explaining how HIV/AIDS spread among the transvestite population in Manipur, the representative said on account of their feminine look Nupi Manbi Nupas are sexually harassed and abused right from childhood.
And when they grow up, Nupi Manbi Nupas become the sexual target of even some security personnel who raped them.
Such instances of rape and sexual abuse carried out without using condoms led to spread of HIV/AIDS among the Nupi Manbi Nupas, the representative said.
Nupi Manbi Nupas are also being discriminated in the family and the society, the representative said, while lamenting that they have no one else to share their problems except talking among themselves.
At present in Manipur, there is one self help group called ASHA for the Nupi Manbi Nupas under SASO and another called HELLOI for the HIV positive Nupi Manbi Nupas under MNP+.
ART in-charge of JN Hospital Dr K Priyokumar who attended the programme as one of the panel members observed that there is the urgent need to raise voice for ensuring the rights of the Nupi Manbi Nupas in the State.
Former member of Manipur Human Rights Commission Laishram Rabindra; Lecturer of LMS Law College Dr N Pramod; executive director of HRA, Manipur Babloo Loitongbam and joint secretary of Manipur Network of Positive People, Imphal Udita Salam were the other penal members who spoke at the occasion.
Many HIV positive women also shared their problems and experiences during the programme.