Imphal, October 10 2010: A one-day convention on HIV/AIDS, a part of a series of conventions organized by the Manipur Legislatures' Forum of HIV/AIDS (MLFA), was held today at THAU ground, Thangmeiband.

Deputy Speaker, Th Lokeshwor who graced the function as chief guest handed over Rs 20,000 to a group of 36 women affected with HIV who attended the convention and Rs 10,000 to Mister Manipur, Pradipkumar, who is also affected with HIV/AIDS.

Former Chief Minister and MLA from Thangmeiband Assembly Constituency, Radhabinod Koijam presided over the function which was attended by MLAs Doukhongmang Kongsai, Th Nabakishore and, president of the Thangmeiband Development Committee as guests of honour.

Radhabinod, speaking on the occasion, announced that effective from January 2011, he will give Rs 100 per month to 40 people of his constituency living with HIV.

The amount will be doubled in the next year, 2012 .

An amount of Rs 50,000 each will also be deposited to the accounts of Self Help Groups established by HIV infected people next year and the same will be increased to Rs 1 lakh in the year 2012.These funds are to be earmarked from the MLAs local area development funds.

Speaking as resource person in the convention, MACS director Dr S Manikanta expressed concern over the increasing number of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, importantly among the youth.

The most important task ahead of the state is to find the reason behind this increasing infection.

Remaining silent, not finding the reason and not taking up remedial measures will worsen the situation in the state, he said recalling that Manipur is the fifth among the state the country having a high prevalence of the disease.

The condition in other states is improving while it is worsening in the state by the day, he worried.

Mister Manipur, Pradip also talked as a resource person in the convention in which the key note address was given by state coordinator of UN AIDS India Sunil Huidrom.

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