Source: Hueiyen News Service/ NNN
Imphal, March 25 2010:
For the first of its kind in the state of Manipur, a gay couple married on Thursday at the LAC Hall, Singjamei in Imphal.
However, parents of the gay couple had reportedly opposed their marriage.
Both the gays identified as Sandip Soibam (26) was reportedly the bridegroom and Nikhil Sharma Hidangmayum (28, transgender) was the bride.
Both of them hailed from Imphal East district.
Interacting with media persons, Nikhil Sharma who runs a beauty parlour in Imphal said that such practice should be accepted by the society so as to reduce the increasing anti-social activities such as indulging in the intoxicants like drugs, alcohol, etc.
He also revealed that both of them fell in love six years back.
They had departed due to some misunderstandings and decided to get married when they patched up recently, added Nikhil Sharma.
Expressing contentment on legalizing gay marriage by the Delhi High Court, Nikhil Sharma stated that they are saved from straying away.
Under Indian Penal Code (IPC)-377 Act, it gives the right to choose the right life partners, stated Nikhil Sharma.
Stating the future plans after marriage, Nikhil also revealed that they would work harder for leading a happy married life.
On being questioned about having children, he answered that they would either adopt a child from the orphan home or request from their friends circle.
Meanwhile, L Radharani, staff nurse of Jawaharlal Nehru hospital revealed that the HIV/AIDS are prone to get infected more in the case of gay.
She disclosed that both Sandip and Nikhil are her acquaintances and being tested HIV negative.
Supporting gay marriage, L Radharani stated that it should be accepted by the society and should not be considered as a taboo.
If the society neglects such people, they would go astray, added L Radharani.