Source: Hueiyen News Service / Shimreingam
Ukhrul, December 10 2009:
President of the Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (Tangkhul Youth Council), Janyo Varam has expressed concern over the increasing HIV/AIDS pandemic in Ukhrul district terming the district as HIV/AIDS capital of Manipur state.
Speaking at the silver jubilee inauguration function of four-day long celebration of 25 year existence of the TMNL, a common platform for the youths of Tangkhul community in Ukhrul district at the district headquarter, "Ukhrul district of Manipur has been declared as HIV/AIDS capital of Manipur with 10 out of 100 people suffering from HIV/AIDS making it the most dangerous place in this part of the world".
Before the inception of Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long, Ukhrul District was unfortunately a wet district with liquor openly available in the market accessible even to the underage and underserved section of the society.
TMNL realizing its evil impact and consequences in society, the body started its drive against it and done away with it in no time, he observed.
The role and responsibilities, the activities the youths of today are facing is not a simple challenge which we need to double-check continuously and constantly.
The question of HIV/AIDS pandemic, drug abuse, drug peddling, flesh trade, child trafficking, unemployment, terrorism, corruption, nepotism ....the list is endless.
TMNL with support and sponsorship from Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation is fortunate in implement Targeted Intervention in the District under the Project Orchid/AVAHAN.
Yet, without the concerted attitude and endeavour from the Governmental side and the general populace the issue will remain a pandemic for us until unmanageable damage is done to our society.
Yet, it is with a system and one at a time that we have to tackle the situation before it spurns out of total control, he said.
The wisdom of the founders of the TMNL was further elevated to the higher perspective when they registered a part of the TMNL as Project Cell with autonomy given to them for smooth implementation of various projects that deals with various challenges facing the youth of that time and continuing till today in the field of HIV/AIDS, drug addicts, drug peddlers, immorality, flesh trade, etc.
TMNL has adopted various actions and systems to deal with such neglected sections of our socity from thrashing, lock-up, exposing in the sun-cold and heat, giving community service like cleaning toilets, canal etc.
with negative and positive results, tempered with hot and cold criticism from sections of the society, he observed.
The celebration kicked off from yesterday and will continue till tomorrow (December 11) at Tangkhul Naga Long ground, Ukhrul.
Agatha Sangma, Union Minister of State, Rural Development was about to attend the inauguration function but due to un-avoidable schedule she could not attend the Jubilee for which the chief guest.
Ningwon Vashum, Founder of TMNL graced the function as chief guest which was participated by various social organisation leaders and district officers.
Sudhan R, IAS SDO Ukhrul and DC in-charge released a book "History of TMNL" on the occasion.