Dimapur, May 10 (EMN): The Assam Rifles in Nagaland are conducting a motorbike rally in various districts to spread publicity about the scourge of HIV and AIDS, and to promote the idea of a drug-free Nagaland. Bikers who are part of the event have travelled to Wokha, and Mokokchung, updates informed. Reception was given to the bikers upon their arrival.
Wokha: The 28th Assam Rifles of Wokha organised a reception to welcome the motorcycle riders on their arrival on May 10 at the local ground in Wokha.
The deputy commissioner of Wokha Dr Manazir Jeelani Samoon, spoke at the programme.
He said that the programme can help the people. Such activities will help in creating a sort of relations between the security forces and the local populace.The deputy commissioner said that HIV and AIDS was ‘not only a deadly disease’ for the person suffering from it.
It is also a stigma; people are afraid of getting tested and reveal the disease out of fear due to the stigma attached to it.
Speaking about the village council’s role, Samoon said it was an institution that can play an important role in eliminating social stigma.
‘There is a culture where people strongly abide by resolutions passed by village council.
Likewise, if the village council continues to pass such resolutions to eliminate the stigma attached to the disease then it will considerably reduce the burden of the society,’ Samoon said.
Advising school students to keep themselves aware about the menace of drugs abuse, and of HIV and AIDS, Samoon urged them to make better choices to overcome hurdles in life. Together they should fight the menace of drugs abuse to create a vibrant and strong society, he added.
The deputy commissioner congratulated the IGAR, the commandant of the 28th Assam Rifles, and all the people associated with the rally for organising it. He was of the opinion that such a rally would generate more publicity among youngsters and help them become torchbearers in spreading the message among the community.
Samoon congratulated the bikers who took the task of venturing out to spread publicity. He urged the medical practitioners to organise more medical camps and ensure timely delivery of medicines. He encouraged the people to avail the facilities being provided by the government.
The commandant of the 28th Assam Rifles of Wokha, Colonel Hiren Borah, said during his address to the gathering that various events for music, drama, and culture were chosen because they symbolised energy and life.
Borah said, ‘One must realise that threat comes not only in the physical form but also in the form of diseases such as HIV and AIDS and drugs.’
To do away with these dangers, he said, youths have to play a vital role ‘as the strength of the society lies in them for they are the centre of society,’ he added.
The team’s leader, Major Abhinav Sudan, who spoke during the programme, said they embarked on the rally on May 5 from Kohima.
He said that the team has travelled to places such as Jessami, Kiphire, Zunheboto, and Wokha covering a distance of around 576 km.
They are still yet to cover about 80-90 km. (From Our Correspondent)
Mokokchung: A team of motorbike riders from the 7th Assam Rifles in Tuensang reached Mokokchung on May 10. The riders were led by Captain Anubhav Verma. The rally will culminate on May 11. On reaching Mokokchung, the bike riders rode through the main town.
They were joined by more riders from various Enfield clubs in the town. The riders returned to Tuensang on May 10.
They were flagged off by the 44th Assam Rifles’ commandant, Colonel KS Kataria.Earlier, a short programme was conducted at the 44th Assam Rifles’ headquarters. (Our Correspondent)
