Attempt to murder HIV+ couple in India and 4 children

[Guest guest]

Dear Subscribers of AIDS INDIA.

Re: /message/12438

As the founder/president of the Australian AIDS Fund Incorporated -an

AIDS-care charity based in Melbourne- I was horrified to read in The Times of

India that an attempt was made to murder an HIV-infected couple and 4 children

(2 daughters and 2 nieces) by setting fire to their thatched house in Thirumani

in Chengalpet.

While the police have " registered a case of attempt to murder " , no arrests have

been made.

The couple have already been " thrown out of our rented houses in Chengalpet many

times after the owners came to know we were HIV positive " .

Mercifully, the family narrowly escaped the blaze, but some reported minor

injuries. They now live with relatives but without police protection.

I call upon the President of India to take immediate steps not only to

ensure that the would-be killers are brought to justice but to also take steps

to protect the family from any further outrage if the Indian nation is not to be

regarded as one that tolerates barbarism.

There is stigma and discrimination against HIV/AIDS everywhere, including

Australia which is what prompted me to set up our charity.

Visitors to our website at www.aids.net.au will see that we have spoken out

before..and taken action..against the abuse in India directed against people

struggling to live with HIV/AIDS.

We urge others to do the same.

Haill,

President,

The Australian AIDS Fund Incorporated,

Melbourne,

Australia

e-mail: <bhaill@...>