Imphal, October 30 2008: Under the theme of 'Let us joint hands to save our society from drugs, HIV/AIDS with a new hope, love and trust'.

AMADA hosted a Ningol Chakkouba feast for women who have suffered the impact of drug and HIV/AIDS at its head office here today.

Ningol Excel Blue, a new product of detergent powder manufactured by 27 such women was also launched at the occasion by Education Minister L Jayantakumar who attended the function as chief guest.

The president of AMADA Mayai Loishang (head office) L Tomba presided over the function which was also attended by Deputy Director of Social Welfare Department G Satyabati, Joint Director of MACS M Abhiram and proprietor of Mem's Star Point Embroidery Training Centre, Porompat K (Ongbi) Memton Leima as guests of honour.

Delivering the key note address of the function, secretary of Publicity and Propaganda of AMADA Ph Abe Chanu observed that among the various activities being taken up by AMADA to fight against the menace of drug abuse in the society, to rehabilitate women who have suffered the impact of drugs and HIV/AIDS and help them in leading a normal life in the society is one of the most important tasks.

In his address as chief guest of the function, Education Minister L Jayantakumar said instead of the earlier approach of beating up, humiliating and ostracising the drug addicts, the new approach being adopted by AMADA to make the people understand the issue and encourage youngsters to take interest in sports and games is appreciable.

G Satyabati said that in order to keep children away from drug, parents should look after and take care them properly.

Parents should also not belie the trust repose on them by their children.

M Abhiram noted that the chances of HIV-Hepatitis co-infection among the people living with HIV/AIDS in Manipur is very high.

However, the issue is yet to be included in the National programme.

Moreover, even if ART treatment can control the HIV, ART could be fatal in case of HIV-Hepatitis co-infection.

Around 150 women participated in the Ningol Chakkouba feasting.

After the feasting, gifts were also presented to them.

Meanwhile it is reported that the Manipur Peace and Integrity Council (MAPI Council) would be organising Ningol Chakkouba festival along with sisters from Kasom Khullen, Khamsom Liyai, New Samtal, Layang and Mayang Khunou at Sana Konung here tomorrow.

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