Mizos protest against discrimination to HIV positive

Aizawl, May 2 (UNI) The people of Mizoram have objected against social discrimination against HIV positive in the state.

Zoram Entu Pawl and Federation of Mizoram Positive (FM+) jointly organised ''Anti-Discrimination Day'' at Vanapa Hall here yesterday to put an end to the discrimination being shown towards HIV positive, prisoners, prostitutes and domestic helps in the Mizo society.

Speaking at the occasion, Mizoram Governor Lt Gen (Rtd) M M Lakhera said, that discriminating against people on the grounds that they are HIV positive, will only bring worse fate to the state.'' The jail should act as reform centre for the prisoners, he said adding HIV contraction is a not a matter of choice for the victim.

He stressed on the responsibility of the people to let this ''inferior people'' live a new life.

Aizawl Bishop Reverend Stephen Rotluanga said, ''If Jesus comes back on Earth, the group of people He will first meet are the prisoners, HIV positives, prostitutes and other downtrodden people. Helping these people is one of the most important ministries for the Church.'' According to MSACS records, of 32,000 blood samples tested, 1910 have found to be HIV positive. Of these, about 107 have full-blown AIDS while about 78 people have died of the killer disease in Mizoram.

UNI