HIV(+) auto-driver discards worries to join awareness drive

An HIV-positive man here shook off worries, trauma and ill-treatment at the hands of his own family to become part of an organisation working to create awareness about the deadly disease.
In doing so, 30-year-old Yumrin Nokpa, an auto driver, has set an example before others, who also tested positive with the HIV virus, to think positively.
"Initially, I faced many problems. I was pushed out from my home by my family members, was beaten up in public places and endured social discrimination," he said.
"Since I am an auto driver, all my colleagues tried to avoid me. I was also asked to vacate my rented house by the landlord. Now I am residing at a doctor's house in Naharlagun," Nokpa, who hails from Tirap district, said.

Nokpa said after being diagnosed with the disease, he felt frustrated and even contemplated suicide at one time, but after counselling and encouragement from a few members of the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) he got a new lease of life.
"Now I am leading life with a positive frame of mind along with my wife and two sons. My wife is also an AIDS patient. But, my two sons are free from HIV," he said.