Rallies, candle light vigil mark World AIDS Day
Don't give vote to candidates who are involved in drug-trafficking cases: CADA
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 01 2021: Coalition Against Drug and Alcohol (CADA) observed World AIDS Day on the theme of End Inequalities, End AIDS' at the conference hall of its head office in Pureiromba Khongnang Makhong on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, CADA general secretary Geetchandra Mangang commented that the state government has converted its 'War on Drugs' campaign into a political campaign and as such, it is uncertain whether the campaign would still have a future or not, until some changes are made.

He continued that despite having a good government, a society in which the youth are addicted to drugs will not fare well.

So far, anyone caught with drugs is yet to be punished as per the crime committed, in the state and the state drug policy remains ineffective.

Thus, he urged the people not to vote for candidates who are involved in drug-trafficking cases, while stressing the need for organising awareness programmes in this regard.

The observance was also attended by All Manipur working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai as chief guest, CADA president Hijam Priyokumar as president and Community Network for Empowerment (CONE) president RK Nalinikanta as guest of honour.

District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, Imphal West also observed World AIDS Day at TG Higher Secondary School here on Wednesday while SAYON Entertainment and Brothers-in-Arms collaborated with Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) to observe World AIDS Day, along with organising a rally and holding a candlelight vigil in memory of those who have died from the disease.

The rally, organised on the theme of 'End Inequalities, End AIDS and End Pandemics', was taken out from the northern Kangal Gate till the west gate.

A candle light vigil was also held at the western gate, along with an observance of a 2-minute silence as a mark of respect to departed souls.

Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) also observed World AIDS Day on Wednesday, a release by its publicity secretary Melem Bizu informed.

As per the release, the students' body paid respects to those who have died from the disease and prayed for their souls to rest in peace.

If also urged those under ART treatment to live their life proudly without any fear and urged all concerned to encourage, them in this regard.

MOREH: The Dedicated People's Union, Organisation for Salvation of Man, Organisation for Social Development in association with New Generation, Moreh under the sponsorship of Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) observed World AIDS Day in Moreh on Wednesday.

As part of the observance, Moreh PS OC Kh Dilipkumar and Meitei Council, Moreh president M Thoiba jointly flagged off an awareness rally from Moreh Ward No 9 Trade Centre till Moreh PS.

Various placards inscribed with slogans like 'Say No to Aids', 'EndInequalities, End AIDS, End Pandemic', etc, were used during the rally.

Later, a Red Ribbon Campaign was conducted at Moreh Town, which was followed by a Covid vaccination camp in front of Moreh PS.

The camp was jointly organised by NGOs and PHC Moreh.

In all, 59 people including IDUs, FSWs, migrant workers and PLHIVs were vaccinated.

CCPUR: District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee (DAPCC), Churachandpur observed the 33rd World AIDS Day by carrying put a rally from Mandop Leikai till Synod Hall, IB Road on Wednesday.

Organised under the theme of 'End Inequalities, End AIDS, End Pandemic', the observance was attended by DC Churachandpur and DAPCC chairman Pawan Yadav, CMO and DAPCC vice chairman Dr Vumchinpau Tonsing and deputy director/nodal officer SVEEP H Doungel as presidium members.

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