Mizoram State Elections: Drugs-AIDS epidemic non-issues

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Mizoram: Drugs-AIDS epidemic non-issues in Mizoram

By Syed Zarir Hussain, Guwahati, Nov 18

One issue that affects almost all families in the northeastern state

of Mizoram is the alarming rise in cases of drug addiction and an

equally threatening AIDS epidemic in the region.

But with Mizoram gripped by election fever to elect a 40-member

legislature, no one seems to have the time to talk about drugs and

AIDS.

" It is surprising to find no political party making any mention in

their election manifestoes about the ways to combat drug addiction

and HIV-AIDS in the state, " moaned Vanlalruwia, a church leader in

the state capital Aizawl.

" More than anything else, the problem of drug addiction and AIDS

epidemic is the biggest threat Mizoram faces rather than issues

harped on by politicians. "

Mizoram goes to the polls on Thursday.

A Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supported study published last

week by the Population Foundation of India and the U.S.-based

Population Reference Bureau said Mizoram was among six other Indian

states where HIV-AIDS prevalence rates stands where South Africa was

in 1992.

" The politicians and policy makers in Mizoram are shying away from

the problem of HIV-AIDS and think including these issues in their

election manifestoes could boomerang, " remarked Lalrinmawia, a

counsellor at a drugs rehabilitation centre.

" But many would have supported any party that talks about these

issues, " he said.

India's northeast is located on the edge of the heroin-

producing " Golden Triangle " comprising Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.

Independent estimates have put the number of regular intravenous drug

users in the region at up to 300,000 -- at least half of who are

believed to be HIV-positive.

" In the last five years, the MNF (Mizo National Front) government had

taken up the issue of drug addiction and AIDS very seriously and has

chalked out a number of strategies to stymie the threat, " MNF general

secretary Lalthankuma said.

" Not including them in our election manifestoes does not mean we are

not concerned. "

Almost every family in the state has relatives or members within the

house hit by drug addiction or someone infected with deadly HIV.

The powerful church and other community healthcare groups, however,

take the twin menace of drug addiction and HIV-AIDS very seriously.

" We regularly take up these issues in our churches and community

platforms, " a church leader said.

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