Imphal, December 28: Under the joint aegis of the Manipur Legislature Forum on HIV/AIDS, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and the Manipur State Panchayat Parishad, a one day State level convention on HIV/AIDS for Panchayati Raj institutions was held today at Panchayat Bhavan, Porompat.

The convention was attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi as chief guest and convenor of Manipur Legislature Forum on HIV/AIDS Dr S Budhichandra as president.

Speaking on the occasion, O Ibobi called upon all the people of Manipur to join hands with conviction in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

Noting that a large number of youths have fallen prey to HIV, the Chief Minister expressed fear that many more are still vulnerable to the disease.

"If we fail to take up some effective concrete measures against the disease now, the future of the Manipuri Nation will be in great peril", the Chief Minister observed.

It is being studied to allocate funds specifically to combat HIV/AIDS in MLA Local Area Development Fund, he said while adding that the exact amount and the nature of utilisation of the fund is being worked out.

Highlighting the importance of Panchayat members' participation in fighting HIV menace, Ibobi said that the people's representatives in grass root levels should ascertain the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in their respective localities and should devise ways and means to combat the disease at the local level.

If the Panchayat members can help to contain HIV/AIDS in their respective localities, it would be great contribution to the health and economic sectors of the State, said Dr S Budhichandra.

Speaking on the occasion, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Md Allaudin Khan reminded that a State cannot be called developed when its rural areas remained underdeveloped.

He stressed on the importance of creating awareness on HIV/AIDS among the rural populace.

The gathering was also addressed by MLAs Thorii, I Ibohanbi and former project director of MACS Dr Khomdon.

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