HIV+ couple of UP plead President for mercy killing

HIV+ couple of UP plead President for mercy killing
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/165042.php/HIV+-couple-of-UP-plead-President-for-mercy-killing

From our ANI Correspondent

Ramgarh (UP), Aug 12: Unable to stand social ostracism and neglect by the government, an AIDS affected couple in Uttar Pradesh has petitioned President Pratibha Patil for granting euthanasia.

Vijayshankar Pandey, a farmer in Ramgarh village, contracted the disease during a blood transfusion after an operation.

Vijayshankar and his wife Shilu say it has become difficult for them to live in the village after fellow-villagers warned them to throw out, if they did not move out themselves.

"We are tired of going to the administration. The court had given directions to the police, but no action was taken. That is why we sent a plea to the President to grant the entire family euthanasia. We are tired because of the deadly disease and of the atrocities of the villagers," said Vijayshankar.

He alleged that the villagers entered their house and beat them.
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Vijayshankar had already sold more than a fourth of his farmland for the treatment. The couple is now taking refuge in relatives' houses, but fear of being turned out due to mounting pressure of villagers.

Meanwhile, police said they would look into the matter.

"We have to see if a case can be filed against them (villagers). And, tell them to refrain from such behaviour," said Ashok Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Allahabad.

Discrimination against AIDS victims, particularly in rural parts of the country, is on the rise.
Considering this, the Central government is mulling over a legislation to protect victims of HIV/AIDS against discrimination.

The new law is expected to provide for action against those guilty of discriminating against AIDS victims and denying them rights of education, employment or medical treatment.

India has the world's highest HIV cases, after South Africa and Nigeria, with around 2.5 million people living with the virus.
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