Lanphamda Lan: Manipur’s Unique Fight Against AIDS

A Manipuri theatre group, as part of a unique AIDS awareness programme, is staging street plays across the length and breadth of the state.

The play titled Lanphamda Lan (War in Warfare) is being performed in literally every nook and corner of the region in an attempt to spread awareness about the deadly disease.

The organizers said that it is important to undertake such activities more frequently in the northeastern states where HIV AIDS is on an increase.

"Manipur AIDS society says that HIV is increasing day-by-day through sexual route in Manipur. So, we are trying to make people aware about condoms in each and every village and city," said Monica Nameirakpam, one of the organizers.

Artists added that they have staged more than 300 plays in all the nine districts of the state so far. They said that they have managed to generate good response as residents throng in large numbers to watch these plays and even stay back to find more information about the disease.

"This is really good because I am able to learn things which I wouldn't have got to know otherwise. This play will spread awareness among the youth in particular," said Thimpku, a villager.

The number of people estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS in India is about 0.47 million discounting earlier apprehensions that India could have up to five million persons affected by HIV. Recent estimates suggest that the number could be between two to three million.

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Source-ANI
TAN/M