New Delhi, 3 September 2004
The National Human Rights Commission has called for a factual report from the District Magistrate, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh and Deputy Inspector General, Warangal Range within four weeks on the reported social boycott of two women out of fear of them spreading AIDS.
The story appeared in a national daily dated 26 August 2004 under the heading "Tribals boycott women fearing AIDS infection". The news item stated that in a remote tribal hamlet in Warangal District of Andhra Pradesh, two women, namely, Bhanot Samakka employed as a cook in a school and Bhukia Vimala, Health worker at the Angan Bari Centre have been boycotted by the community as they had helped a pregnant woman in her delivery, who was suffering from AIDS. As per the Press Report, the community Panchayat has decreed that these women could not enter the village for four months. It stated that Samakka has been prevented from cooking the mid day lunch for school children and Vimala to enter the Angan Bari Centre. The news report also stated that both of them have pleaded willingness to undergo any test as ordered by the community, but the community is bent upon their social boycott. Further it was reported that even the school teachers have tried to convince the elders of the village but it was in vain and the Mandal officials have asked the women not to attend work. The police officials have stated that they would organize Aids Awareness Programme in the Village.
The Chairperson of the Commission, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand has observed that if the contents of the report are true, it raises issue of violation of human rights.