30th International Candlelight Memorial observed
'16 NGOs of the State come together for a common cause'
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 19 2013: As never before in the history of observance of International Candlelight Memorial in Manipur, the 30th International Candlelight Memorial was held under the joint initiative of 16 NGOs working in the field of Drugs and HIV & AIDS and Human Rights under the theme "In Solidarity" at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy here today with the support of Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) .

The observance was marked by offering of floral tributes to those who have lost their lives to HIV & AIDS along with lighting of candles in their memory.

The observance was jointly organized by Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+), Social Awareness Service Organisation (SASO), Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE), Care Foundation, Lifeline Foundation, Kripa Society, All Manipur Nupi Manbi Association (AMANA), All Manipur Anti Drug Association (AMADA), Centre Organisation for Research & Education (CORE), Human Rights Alert (HRA), Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA), Solidarity and Action Against The HIV?AIDS In India (SAATHI), Christian Network of Positive People (CNPW), Dedicated People Union (DPU), FXB India Suraksha and All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) .

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Lokeshore pointed out the need to identify the number of PLHIVs in their respective assembly constituencies by the concerned MLAs so that certain strategies can be taken up for their treatment as well as prevention of further spread of HIV and AIDS in the constituencies.

30th Intl Candlelight Memorial observed at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy

He further stated that we all should be aware of HIV and AIDS.

Just organizing such programmes and other related awareness programmes is not enough.

These things should be put into practice; only then changes can be brought about.

The Speaker also appealed to the general public not to discriminate people living with HIV and AIDS and said that if at all we desire to erase the menace of HIV & AIDS altogether stigma and discrimination towards PLHIVs should be totally erased from the society and at the same time a generation of the society should be put under full cover.

He also went on to inform that with the issue of HIV & AIDS and Drugs hitting the State hard, the situation is more worsened by the issue of illegal migrants and there is fear among us all that with all these issues engulfing the State, the indigenous population might totally get extinct in the near future.

As such, all of us including Doctors, NGOS, general public and MLAs should come together and fight against HIV and AIDS.

MLA Dr I Ibohalbi, who was also present on the occasion, stated that International Candle Light Memorial observation is being held this year with a difference where 16 different NGOs have come together to observe the day.

This very act of the 16 NGOs coming together on a common goal clearly shows "Unity in Solidarity".

The observation has indeed shown that we are unified, no matter what.

While pointing out that the Draft State AIDS Policy, although has been drafted years back, has still not reached the floor of the House till today, MLA Dr I Ibohalbi drew the attention of the Project Director of MACS to ponder over the matter and do the needful, and added that "It is the need of the hour" .

He also questioned what MACS has been doing for such a long time.

The MLA admitted that the Manipur Legislatures' Forum on HIV & AIDS has weakened just like the cyclone Mahasen as soon as it reached Manipur and said that it needs to be strengthened in the interest of PLHIVs in the State.

While delivering the key note address, L Deepak, President of MNP+ stated that the mission of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is to honour, support and advocate for those who have been affected by the global HIV epidemic through mobilizing communities for a world where people do not die of AIDS and people living with HIV and AIDS can live healthy and with dignity.

The observation also took a number of resolutions which include implementation of the revised State AIDs Policy within three months; strengthening of Manipur Legislatures' Forum on HIV & AIDS and earmarking a portion of the Local Area Development Fund annually to support HIV prevention and care and support for people infected and affected by HIV & AIDS and to provide BPL cards and free transport service while going for ART follow up to all the people living with HIV and AIDS residing in Manipur.

Presided over by Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar the function was also attended by MLA Dr RK Anand and Dr Sailesh Kumar Chaurasia, Project Director, MACS as Special Invitee and Special Guest respectively.

World Vision India and Nirvana Foundation also observed the 30th international AIDS candlelight memorial today.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest of the observance organized by World Vision India at Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong, Dr Hijam Apabi Nonglen, Project director of Pediatric Center of Excellence, JNIMS appealed all to work together to reduce HIV related stigma and advocate universal access to human rights and quality treatment, prevention, care and support services.

Singer Hamom Sadananda enthralled the gathering by presenting a special number 'we shall overcome' .

In the observance organised by Nirvana Foundation at its Khurai Tinsid Road, Momotta Mukherji, CMO of Imphal East; Sobhana Sorokhaibam, Vice President of Nirvana Foundation and Md Bashir Khan, President of Khomidok Jama Mashajid attended as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.