State to host UN meet on drug menace, HIV/AIDS

Imphal, Sep 15 (DIPR)
Governor Dr Najma Heptulla has announced that the State would host an international conference of the United Nations to discuss issues related to drug menace and HIV/AIDS in the region on September 30 and October 1. She made this announcement at the 13th foundation day celebration of the Manipur State Commission for Women held at Hotel Imphal today.
Speaking as chief guest of the function, the Governor said that delegates from around seven countries will be participating at the international conference. She then urged the Chief Minister to invite the Home Ministers of all the North Eastern States to the conference so that a comprehensive policy can be formulated to deal with such issues in the region.
Mentioning that atrocities like molest, gang-rape, sexual assault have been alarmingly increasing in the State in the last few years, she stated that all stakeholders belonging to cross sections of the society are fighting as one to set right the wrongs against women.
She opined that women also suffer from other debilitating challenges which put them at a serious disadvantage. HIV/AIDS infected mothers, sisters, widows and orphans are soft targets for social stigma and discrimination and various forms human rights violations, she added.
She stated that many women specific and women related legislations to protect women against social discrimination, violence and atrocities etc have been enacted. However, full implementation of such laws is still hindered or delayed due to lack of awareness about existence of such legislations.
She urged the Commission to explore ways and means on how to eliminate all man-made social aberrations and prevent all crimes against women with the help of law enforcing agencies of the State. 
The Commission may also take up the issue of non-implementation of laws enacted to provide protection and also persevere to achieve the objectives of equality and development of women, she added.
Speaking at the gathering, Chief Minister N Biren said that women of the State are at the forefront in various fields including sports.
Highlighting that the State Government has introduced many welfare schemes for women and is focused on women empowerment in the State, he stated that the present Government is committed to uplift the lives of women and ensure that women live with dignity.
Several women are being given key positions in various departments and some have been appointed as DCs and SPs in the State, he added.
Under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State Government is giving special priority to girl students in educational institutions. Women markets have been constructed in the hill districts of the State, he added. He stated that a fast track Court to deal crimes against women has been established to accelerate delivery of justice. Women police stations have been established in various districts of the State, he added.
Stating that rampant drug menace and alcoholism have huge adverse impacts in the society, the Chief Minister appealed the mothers and women of the State to fight collectively to root out such problems from the State.
The dignitaries released a newsletter titled “Women News Horizon- Vol-III” during the function.
Member of National Commission for Women Soso Shaiza, Chairperson of Manipur State Commission for Women Prof Binota Meinam, former Chairpersons and members of Manipur State Commission for Women and others attended the function.