Imphal, February 18: The need for the legislators and other political leaders in the State to join in the ongoing effort to address the issue of HIV/AIDS and drug abuse among the youth in Manipur has been emphasised during a workshop on HIV/AIDS here today.

Politicians have a great role to play in fighting the issue of HIV/AIDS and drug abuse in Manipur, Councillor of Imphal Municipal Council (IMC) ward number 16 M Subasana said, while speaking as one of the guests of honour at the inaugural function of the three-day workshop being organised jointly by Salai Apunba Nupi Lup and Manipur Network of Positive People at the office of the Lup at Singjamei Chingamakha today.

Subasana observed that among the burning issues of Manipur at present, the issue of HIV/AIDS and drug abuse are most serious and deserve special attention.

She noted that political leaders have been espousing the cause of protection of the territorial integrity of Manipur and removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur but they have conveniently brushed aside the issues related to death of many youth who are future pillars of the society from HIV/AIDS or becoming dependent on drugs and other pharmaceutical substances.

So it is high time for the political leaders to contribute their mite in addressing the issue of HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, Subasana exhorted.

Participating in the workshop as one of the resource persons, Dr Shantibala of JN Hospital, Porompat observed introduction of sex education in the school syllabus is the need of the hour and it would help in prevention of HIV/AIDS infection from one person to another.

There might be some inherent demerits in introducing sex education to young children at school and a raging debate has been going on in this regard all over the country.

But in view of the magnitude of the problem being faced today, it is imperative now to pay special attention towards finding out how much this measure would help or not in addressing the issue of HIV/AIDS in Manipuri society, she said.

While expressing serious concern over the increasing number of Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs), Dr Shantibala said it is time for the people to study why some of the women have become sex workers and how to stop them from taking up such activities.

This is necessary as CSWs as well as their male clients are being exposed to the danger of being affected with HIV virus, she added.

Deputy Director of Manipur State AIDS Control Society Dr S Manikanta and president of Salai Apunba Nupi Lup Y Ibethoi were also present and spoke at the inaugural function of the workshop as chief guest and functional president respectively.

MNP+ president Munindro Singh, Model Club president Y Sarat, advisor of Salai Apunba Nupi Lup M Ibemhal and president of MWC Devan were other guests of honour of the inaugural function of the workshop.

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