Spread of AIDS alarming in Indian army

April 28, 2005

NEW DELHI, April 28 (SANA): The spread of AIDS among the Indian

military is at an alarming level forcing the high command to seek

help from the Untied States and the United Nations to control the

deadly disease. The troops deployed in the North Eastern states

carry the highest proportions of AIDS virus.

While the army is not willing to reveal how widespread the problem

is, most of the cases have been reported from Mumbai, Chennai and

the North East.

The Indian armed forces have now joined hands with the US army

Pacific Command and the UN to not only educate troops, especially

those going abroad and in far-flung areas, but also try and improve

their treatment.

The armed forces employ close to a million men, some of whom are

posted away from their homes, making them extremely vulnerable to

contracting this disease.

" There are a few problem areas like Manipur and there have also been

a few cases in the Assam Rifles. But we are confident of resolving

this, " Lt-Gen JR Bhardwaj of Indian army was quoted by NDTV as

saying.

Another point of increasing worry is the deployment of Indian troops

abroad in UN missions.

The US army has now decided to share not only its experience in

treating soldiers battling the disease, but also offer data and

research on the disease.

" The US and India have cooperated in the past and this is a very

important area that we are bringing in our cooperation, " says

O Blake, US Chargé d'Affaires.

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