IMPHAL, Mar 31 : To fight against stigma and discrimination and to raise awareness and bring a change in the attitude towards marginalized groups and people living with HIV/AIDS, a media interaction cum releasing of three documentary films focussing on the lives of three PLWHAs was held this evening at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal.
The programme was organised as a joint venture of the AIHI (Australian International Health Institute), Avahan, OSD (Overcoming Stigma, Discrimination) and CFAR (Centre for Advocacy and Research) and was attended by project director of MACS Dr. Pramod and the three persons who were highlighted in the film programme.
The films were a part of the AIHI initiative on overcoming stigma and discrimination which will subsequently be used to raise awareness and build partnerships for combating the issues. It was supported by individuals and community based interpersonal communication intervention and structured around the mandate of the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) to address issues of stigma and discrimination in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The films which were shown today will be used as a medium for raising awareness about the core issues of stigma and discrimination that PLWHAs and other vulnerable communities face and to inspire members of affected communities to take up the challenge in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is also an attempt to look at partnerships with different stakeholders like service providers, church leaders, positive network groups etc. in a joint collaborative effort against battling stigma and discrimination.
Dr. Pramod who also honored the presentation of posters maintained that to fight against HIV/AIDS as well as stigma and discrimination such programmes are very much required in the state. He was proud that such programmes are organised in order to change the attitude of the people towards the PLWHAs.
Many programmes giving emphasis on HIV/AIDS were held in the state but such programmes were not organised till date and although 99 percent of the population of the state have the knowledge of HIV/AIDS they never really know how to control and prevent the disease.
Therefore, to change the behaviour and attitudes, the role of media and poster campaign will be very much important. And for these reasons the MACS are going to use the poster produced by OSD and films as eye openers for the public, he said.
The team leader of OSD, Dr. Joyee who highlighted on the campaign against stigma and discrimination maintained that in October-November 2005 Emmanuel Health Association, Project Orchid and AIHI had commissioned a rapid assessment of HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination towards marginalized groups and PLWHA was occurring in health care facilities, within families in educational institutions, work place, religious settings and the police.
Several hurt in bomb attack in Imphal
IMPHAL, Mar 31 : A bomb was hurled at a grocery shop by unknown gunmen at Mayang Imphal bazar, under Mayang Imphal police station, resulting in injuries to several people present at the shop.
The injured were rushed to the RIMS hospital.
The incident took place this evening around 7 pm. According to a source the incident happened when two persons came and hurled a bomb inside the grocery shop owned by one Sharat. The bomb was thrown out of the shop by his daughter Preety and exploded thereafter resulting in injuries to several people.
The injured persons were identified as Maibam Preeti of Mayang Imphal bazar, Laishram Mikoibi, 50, of Mayang Imphal bazar, Moirangthem Amo, 50, son of Bir Singh of Mayang Imphal Thongkhong, Laishram Devan, 42, son of late Yaima of Mayang Imphal bazar.
Regarding the incident, Kh Ratan, MLA of their constituency said that it was very unfortunate that innocents were becoming victims of the armed persons and also warned at the same time that the people would turn against such armed persons if they continued such activities in future.
The injured were rushed to the RIMS hospital.
The incident took place this evening around 7 pm. According to a source the incident happened when two persons came and hurled a bomb inside the grocery shop owned by one Sharat. The bomb was thrown out of the shop by his daughter Preety and exploded thereafter resulting in injuries to several people.
The injured persons were identified as Maibam Preeti of Mayang Imphal bazar, Laishram Mikoibi, 50, of Mayang Imphal bazar, Moirangthem Amo, 50, son of Bir Singh of Mayang Imphal Thongkhong, Laishram Devan, 42, son of late Yaima of Mayang Imphal bazar.
Regarding the incident, Kh Ratan, MLA of their constituency said that it was very unfortunate that innocents were becoming victims of the armed persons and also warned at the same time that the people would turn against such armed persons if they continued such activities in future.
Independent candidate files nomination for Inner seat on first day of nominations
IMPHAL, Mar 31 : On the opening day of filing of nominations for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency for the upcoming 15th Lok Sabha elections, A Rahaman, an independent candidate, filed his nomination papers today.
On the last day for filing of nominations for the Outer Manipur seat five candidates including one woman named Rose Mangshi also filed their nominations today. Three of the nominations were renominations.
A Rahaman while speaking to the media said that the state had become a place where peace no longer existed and the AFSPA had caused crimes to increase. He said he was strongly against the Act and wanted to bring peace for the betterment of the people if he was elected. He also want to safeguard the old monuments and to uplift the minorities.
His candidature is being supported by the United Friendship Organisation (UFO), Manipur and also by the United People’s Party which is to be a political wing of the UFO.
On the other hand, regarding the replacement of the candidate of the MPP, the party’s candidate Th Chaoba told the media that the decision was taken looking into the present situation of the state and added that if the national party wins then they would work first for nation and the state later.
He also added that under the Congress led government the condition of roads, water and electricity had become deplorable and asked if that was what the party had done during its seven-year rule.
He further observed that the law and order situation in the state was horrible and the curfew imposed in the state had passed a month. While curfew was imposed at night time shops were broken into and goods and money stolen, he said.
If people don’t want such incidents to take place they should use their right to vote wisely and not give votes to those who will not work.
On the last day for filing of nominations for the Outer Manipur seat five candidates including one woman named Rose Mangshi also filed their nominations today. Three of the nominations were renominations.
A Rahaman while speaking to the media said that the state had become a place where peace no longer existed and the AFSPA had caused crimes to increase. He said he was strongly against the Act and wanted to bring peace for the betterment of the people if he was elected. He also want to safeguard the old monuments and to uplift the minorities.
His candidature is being supported by the United Friendship Organisation (UFO), Manipur and also by the United People’s Party which is to be a political wing of the UFO.
On the other hand, regarding the replacement of the candidate of the MPP, the party’s candidate Th Chaoba told the media that the decision was taken looking into the present situation of the state and added that if the national party wins then they would work first for nation and the state later.
He also added that under the Congress led government the condition of roads, water and electricity had become deplorable and asked if that was what the party had done during its seven-year rule.
He further observed that the law and order situation in the state was horrible and the curfew imposed in the state had passed a month. While curfew was imposed at night time shops were broken into and goods and money stolen, he said.
If people don’t want such incidents to take place they should use their right to vote wisely and not give votes to those who will not work.
Crowd throng to revel and celebrate in Churachandpur
IMPHAL, Mar 30 : The people of Churachanpur had not witnessed something like this for a long time and that was probably why such a large crowd gathered at Peace ground, Tuibong on March 28 and 29 when 27 Sector Assam Rifles under HQ IGAR (South) celebrated their 5th Raising Day. The local public also joined in and probably they were also celebrating life and peace and got a glimpse of the times to come.
Commander 27 sector inaugurated the event by releasing a flock of pigeons and dozens of balloons amongst cheers and jubilation from the onlookers. There were hundreds of locals those could not hold back their curiosity as the word of the fun and festivities spread.
The maximum inquisitiveness was for the ‘Know-Your-Security-Forces’ stall where the forces had displayed their weapons and equipment.
Thanbol and Kaimungthang were part of the crowd and said, “These things can do so much, be it detecting explosives or detecting metallic items as small as a pin, and such modern weapons, we had seen only on ‘Discovery Channel ‘.
There were large crowds at the medical stall, mainly the youth, eager to know if they meet the physical standards for joining the security forces. There were stalls for innovative games, numerous prizes, lots of eateries, music to dance and opportunity to meet friends and make merry. It was a spectacular event enjoyed by everyone.
Commander 27 sector inaugurated the event by releasing a flock of pigeons and dozens of balloons amongst cheers and jubilation from the onlookers. There were hundreds of locals those could not hold back their curiosity as the word of the fun and festivities spread.
The maximum inquisitiveness was for the ‘Know-Your-Security-Forces’ stall where the forces had displayed their weapons and equipment.
Thanbol and Kaimungthang were part of the crowd and said, “These things can do so much, be it detecting explosives or detecting metallic items as small as a pin, and such modern weapons, we had seen only on ‘Discovery Channel ‘.
There were large crowds at the medical stall, mainly the youth, eager to know if they meet the physical standards for joining the security forces. There were stalls for innovative games, numerous prizes, lots of eateries, music to dance and opportunity to meet friends and make merry. It was a spectacular event enjoyed by everyone.
UDP rally protests President’s rule
Shillong, March 30 : The rally organised by the United Democratic Party, the coalition partner of the Meghalaya Progressive Alliance, here today passed a resolution urging Governor R.S. Mooshahary to revoke the President’s rule and install the MPA government.
The rally, held amid tight security and attended by a large gathering at the Malki ground here, protested against the President’s rule imposed by the Centre on March 18 despite the MPA winning the trust vote a day before.
Though the rally was organised by the UDP, members of all the MPA coalition partners took part in it.
Placards and banners put up at the ground read, “No President’s rule, no Lapang rule, whole seller wants to buy UDP, HSPDP MLAs” and “Revoke President’ rule”. One of the placards warned Assam Congress leader and health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma not to meddle in Meghalaya politics.
HSPDP legislator Adviser Pariong, who had earlier deserted the MPA, was present at the rally.
Former chief minister Donkupar Roy said President’s rule was imposed in the state just to pave way for the Congress to form the government. He said the move indicated that the Centre did not want the regional parties and its allies under the MPA to rule the state. He said in 1991, President’s rule was imposed just because the Congress was not in power in the state.
He also expressed concern over the stand of the five legislators who had deserted the MPA. “The MPA was formed with a pledge to work together, but unfortunately, there were some black sheep in the alliance who betrayed the pledge,” he said.
Roy said despite the present setback, the UDP would in no way betray its friends in the MPA.
He lambasted the Assam health minister for interfering in the political affairs of the state and CLP leader D.D. Lapang for recommending imposition of President’s rule.
He, however, lauded Speaker Bindo Lanong for exercising his powers according to the rule of the law.
Roy urged the people to think properly before electing the “betrayers” and to vote against the Congress during the parliamentary elections.
Former deputy chief minister and HSPDP president, H.S. Lyngdoh, said it was unfortunate that the leaders who had pledged to form the MPA had destroyed the unity of the alliance.
Former education minister and Independent legislator Manas Chaudhuri said the Congress tried to buy legislators with money, offering important posts.
MPA secretary and NCP legislator Conrad Sangma said the alliance had prepared good policies for the development of the state, but the Congress was busy toppling the government, that too with the help of the Assam Congress.
“We will not allow people from outside the state to control and rule us,” he said.
BJP legislator A.L. Hek said the Congress had in the past resorted to President’s rule in many other states in the country whenever they wanted to grab power.
Churachandpur duo pitch on valley votes
Churachandpur, March 29 : The Churachandpur duo that are vying for the sole reserv-ed Outer Parliamentary seat appear to be dependent on how well they could influence the votes in the eight Assembly segments in Thoubal and Jiribam.
The assertions of NCP nominee LB Sona and his Congress counterpart Thangso Baite, that the valley based votes will formulate their victory were confirmed during exclusive chats with The Sangai Express.
'Had I been awarded the Congress ticket, I would not have received such a huge support from parties across the State; I believe that I am destined for NCP.
The weight that all these parties carried along with them will be sufficient to make the differences,' Sona said apparently in reference to his expectations from the parties influence in the eight Assembly segments of Thoubal and Jiribam.
'Of the eight segments in Thoubal and Jiribam, seven were Congress strongho-lds.
That means as a Congress nominee I would have a good prospect there,' maintained Baite as well.
When lobbed with the doubt of winning, when two individuals from non-Naga communities contested the polls, Sona admitted that, Baite may robe him of 30% of his expected votes from the district.
But he doubts the latter's intention on seeking the peoples' mandate 'long after I (Sona) had ma-de my (his) intentions clear'.
Baite however maintains that he seeks the Congress ticket when Sona too seeks for the same, and days before Sona opted for the NCP tickets.
'Who's first, me or him,' he mulled.
Sona was defeated as the Chairman of Zomi Council some months back, but he is hesitant to say that he is planning to forsake his people - the same people he claimed he had opted to serve before the Congress party.
'It will only be a better plate-form to lead and serve my people,' he said when questioned why he now returns to state politics, which he had already left.
'Constituency (MLA) politics is entirely a different affair with MP politics,' replied Baite when asked why he considers himself hopeful at a time when he was already defeated as an MLA in Singngat AC.
NPP candidate T Hangkhanpao defeated the then Congress candidate and sitting MLA Thangso Baite in the last State Assembly election.
On their expectation from their own home turf that was alienated in two vote banks as Zomi and Kuki, Baite bravely said he would expect cent percent vote from the district while Sona assume to receive the backing of 70 to 80 percent.
Though Sona confesses to the fact that he had considered Mani Charenamei as his would be strongest contender, Baite refuse to comment on the query.
'It is still premature to comment on this,' he said.
The assertions of NCP nominee LB Sona and his Congress counterpart Thangso Baite, that the valley based votes will formulate their victory were confirmed during exclusive chats with The Sangai Express.
'Had I been awarded the Congress ticket, I would not have received such a huge support from parties across the State; I believe that I am destined for NCP.
The weight that all these parties carried along with them will be sufficient to make the differences,' Sona said apparently in reference to his expectations from the parties influence in the eight Assembly segments of Thoubal and Jiribam.
'Of the eight segments in Thoubal and Jiribam, seven were Congress strongho-lds.
That means as a Congress nominee I would have a good prospect there,' maintained Baite as well.
When lobbed with the doubt of winning, when two individuals from non-Naga communities contested the polls, Sona admitted that, Baite may robe him of 30% of his expected votes from the district.
But he doubts the latter's intention on seeking the peoples' mandate 'long after I (Sona) had ma-de my (his) intentions clear'.
Baite however maintains that he seeks the Congress ticket when Sona too seeks for the same, and days before Sona opted for the NCP tickets.
'Who's first, me or him,' he mulled.
Sona was defeated as the Chairman of Zomi Council some months back, but he is hesitant to say that he is planning to forsake his people - the same people he claimed he had opted to serve before the Congress party.
'It will only be a better plate-form to lead and serve my people,' he said when questioned why he now returns to state politics, which he had already left.
'Constituency (MLA) politics is entirely a different affair with MP politics,' replied Baite when asked why he considers himself hopeful at a time when he was already defeated as an MLA in Singngat AC.
NPP candidate T Hangkhanpao defeated the then Congress candidate and sitting MLA Thangso Baite in the last State Assembly election.
On their expectation from their own home turf that was alienated in two vote banks as Zomi and Kuki, Baite bravely said he would expect cent percent vote from the district while Sona assume to receive the backing of 70 to 80 percent.
Though Sona confesses to the fact that he had considered Mani Charenamei as his would be strongest contender, Baite refuse to comment on the query.
'It is still premature to comment on this,' he said.
Public property defacement in Delhi as poll campaign picks up
Mar 29As the poll campaign hots up all over the country, more than 300 cases of defacement of public property have been lodged in Delhi with 50 such cases being registered last week against various political parties and leaders. Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said the anti-defacement drive, which is entering the fourth week, also saw the removal of 1,673 posters, 1,124 banners, 676 hoardings besides erasing 154 wall writings.
The city police had filed 1,127 cases of defacement during the Assembly elections last November. It was 408 in 2003 Assembly elections and 366 in 2004 Lok Sabha elections.
All cases were filed under Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act (2007) which came into effect this month. Those booked under this act can attract a jail term of up to one year or a fine of Rs 50,000, or both.
The city police had filed 1,127 cases of defacement during the Assembly elections last November. It was 408 in 2003 Assembly elections and 366 in 2004 Lok Sabha elections.
All cases were filed under Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act (2007) which came into effect this month. Those booked under this act can attract a jail term of up to one year or a fine of Rs 50,000, or both.
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