Mokokchung, May 18 (MExN): A somber moment but a significant one nonetheless as people gathered at the main Town Square at Mokokchung to mark the 31st International Candle Light Service this evening on the theme ‘keeping the light on HIV’. The event was jointly organized by the Network of Mokokchung district People Living with HIV/AIDS (NMP+) along with NSACS CHAI-Acshya, CCC, CSS, Guardian Angel, DAPCU, ARTC, ICTC, ICTC and Red Ribbon Club of Fazl Ali College & Peoples College,
This is the first open air programme to commemorate in memory of those who have lost or have been affected by HIV/AIDS in Mokokchung town. The turnout at Imlong Place (town square) was good and the tribute to those who have been infected and affected by HIV/AIDS was signified.
The Youth Department of Yimyu Baptist Church presented a play while the Pastor of Alempang Baptist Church, Rev Temsu invoked God’s blessings on the programme. The MO ARTC-IMDH Dr Amenla delivered a speech on the significance of the day while the SDO (C) Rjaesh Soundaranjan delivered a speech as the guest of honour.
Special songs were presented by Sungkomen Youth Department and Cherubic Blossoms and Meyinungsung (Naga Orpheus Hunt 13). The memorial ended with the lightning of candles by the participates at the end of the programme.
Former president of NMP+ Toshi Sangpu, after lighting the candle at the clayed red ribbon, was quite emotional, at the huge turnout of the people at the programme. He hoped that the Candle Light Memorial Programme will serve as an ‘eye opener’ for the citizens of the society. His wife Amenla, who joined the memorial with their children, simply said that the people need to overcome the stigma and discrimination on HIV/AIDS. She gave an instance of her children, her husband and herself who are living healthy life through regular medication and taking of ART from the health centres.
Akumla, a counselor at ICTC-IMDH expressed that she was overwhelmed at the response from the public and added that it will go a long way making the people more aware about HIV/AIDS in the society. It may be noted here that HIV/AIDS was first detected about more than two decades back in Nagaland, different NGOs, government agencies and NGOs have fought a concerted campaign against the disease. Today’s candle light service was a tribute to those who have died of the disease and also a show of support to those infected and affected by the disease.
