Ferozepur : Apart from Pakistani bullets, Border Security force (BSF) Jawans in Punjab are facing new threat -----AIDS. Each of the seven units posted in the Ferozepur sector along the Indo-Pak border has at-least two full blown cases of the deadly virus ---- most probably passed on by sex workers.
"The last few years have seen an alarming rise in AIDS Cases in the Border force," said Shailnder Kaur, medical officer, BSF Ferozepur sector. "A couple of Jawans in each BSF unit in the area have contracted the deadly virus and are undergoing treatment," she added.
The officer, however, denied that the virus ha spread widely. The 14 personnel, she said, are being treated in jalandhar with some even having been referred to Delhi. But another officer, who did not want o be named, contested her claim saying the virus has spread alarming within BSF.
Working for he force entails long field deployments with few domestic breaks. "The Jawans usually visit brothels in the areas, which is where the AIDS virus is spreading from," he said.
Endorsing this view, a jawan being treated for AIDS, said "we should be granted leave and allowed to stay with our families on BSF campuses."
TOI
"The last few years have seen an alarming rise in AIDS Cases in the Border force," said Shailnder Kaur, medical officer, BSF Ferozepur sector. "A couple of Jawans in each BSF unit in the area have contracted the deadly virus and are undergoing treatment," she added.
The officer, however, denied that the virus ha spread widely. The 14 personnel, she said, are being treated in jalandhar with some even having been referred to Delhi. But another officer, who did not want o be named, contested her claim saying the virus has spread alarming within BSF.
Working for he force entails long field deployments with few domestic breaks. "The Jawans usually visit brothels in the areas, which is where the AIDS virus is spreading from," he said.
Endorsing this view, a jawan being treated for AIDS, said "we should be granted leave and allowed to stay with our families on BSF campuses."
TOI
That is a very serious issue. Indian Armed forces are considered to be one of the healthiest. Steps should be taken to stop spread of HIV among Armed Forces. It is important to take preventive steps now not just because AIDS can weaken our armies but army personals can bring it back home to their family members.
ReplyDeleteBSF is notorious for not giving enough holidays to its jawans. Jawans should get more time to spend with their families.
Nice article Mr. Bhatia. keep it up