Source: The Sangai Express / Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, November 02:
Strong political determination is a must to fight the menace of HIV/AIDS in the State, observed Dr Khomdon Lisham.
Addressing a one day political advocacy programme on HIV/AIDS organised by RJD Manipur, former project director of Manipur AIDS Control Society Dr Khomdon Lisham noted that to institute laws and impose social restrictions by the State Government or by social organisations to control the drug menace and HIV infection without analysing the causes and circumstances leading youths to go ashtray and become victims of HIV would be a blunder on the part of the Government and social organisations.
Prohibitions imposed on drug abuse and penalties awarded to HIV afflicted persons would never be counted as fitting political measure, he asserted.
Stressing on the importance of adopting a political stand on the issue of HIV/AIDS in Manipur, Dr Khomdon took serious note of the failure of the State Government to sanction a single rupee to check the ever aggravating problem of HIV infection even as the menace has reached alarming proportion in the State.
Despite the prohibitions imposed against drug abuse and various forms of penalties awarded to the victims of HIV/AIDS and drug abusers were done with the good intention to rescue the youths from the ever widening jaws of HIV/AIDS, such measures adopted in line with the own thinking of the groups concerned are not the best means to contain the menace, noted Dr Khomdon.
He also observed that the principal mode of HIV infection has become sex rather than intravenous injection of drugs.
Today's advocacy programme was also attended by former Chief Minister W Nipamacha, MLA Soram Natum and RJD vice-president Hengkhulet Khongsai as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.