Imphal, February 26: Manipur Human Rights Commission will extend all possible help to cases related to HIV infected persons, said MHRC Chairman Justice W Shishak and appealed to all concerned to take the help of law as and when required.

Speaking as chief guest at the one day consultative programme held today at the conference hall of MNP+, Shishak remarked that HIV infected persons should not lose their self confidence and mingle with the society freely without any sense of fear or self ostracisation.

Noting that the problem of HIV has been one of the major issues in the world, he maintained that there has been no definite law or act in India concerning concerning HIV/AIDS.

In any case of human rights violation, harassment or other crimes, the victim is entitled to all possible help of the law under the Indian Constitution, mentioned Shishak.

He further appealed to all to avail the help of the law if there is any case of harassment, violence or other forms of human rights violation related to HIV infection.

The Chairman observed that even if there is no law concerning HIV infected persons, the requisite laws may be enacted with the help of people.

However what is paramount is open communication to the public by the HIV infected persons about their problems and concerns without any hesitation.

The programme organised by Manipur Network of Positive People and GIPA Alliance in collaboration with Human Rights Commission and Lawyers Forum was attended by president of MNP+ L Deepak and advocate Rakesh Meihoubam of Human Rights Law Network, Manipur as president nd guest of honour respectively.

Deepak observed that HIV infected persons are seen only as drug abusers with indecent character and they are never treated as responsible persons.

A myriad of problems have sprung up today with the large scale transmission of HIV to many innocent women and children, admitted Deepak.

He further mentioned of the grave problem faced by the orphans whose parents have died due to AIDS, regarding their education, shelter etc.

Remarking that Manipur State AIDS Policy was framed in 1996 by Manipur AIDS Control Society which is well ahead of the policy framed and enforced by NACO all over the country but there is not a single provision for the HIV infected women and children, he expressed strong desire for such a policy specifically for HIV infected women and children.

Comment