Nagaland observes World AIDS Day amid protest

KOHIMA, DECEMBER 1 : “I pledge to mobilise my workplace communities and civil societies to join the partnership against HIV and AIDS. I pledge to fight against stigma and discrimination against people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. I pledge to take personal responsibility to talk about HIV and AIDS to my family, friends and children. I pledge to share this pledge to others.” [caption id="attachment_86368" align="alignnone" width="500"] Chief minister TR Zeliang releasing the red ribbon on the occasion of World AIDS Day at Kisama on Thursday. [/caption] This was the word of honour pronounced by the audience at the World AIDS Day event at the Kisama central arena on Thursday as a sign of solidarity with those whose lives are affected by HIV and AIDS. Chief minister TR Zeliang, along with a host of government officials, was amongst those who took the pledge with hands raised. He also released a large red ribbon carried by air balloons into the air to commemorate the event. The red ribbon is the universal symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV. The observation, organized by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), was held on the theme ‘Hands up for #HIV Prevention’. During the programme, NSACS highlighted the significance of the day and also informed that as per a recent national HIV estimation report, the adult HIV prevalence in India is estimated at 0.26% while Nagaland figures 1.29%. Local artists, Benathung Humtsoe and group, and Senti Longchar a.k.a. Desert King enthralled the gathering with special songs. Some HIV and AIDS intervention workers have decided not to participate in the event to protest the government’s inability to pay their salaries.