After they pulled their children out of the local school in protest over the admission of nine HIV positive children, a majority of villagers in Hasewad Latur continue to hold out. This despite threats from the state government to cut off developmental aid if they refuse to send their children back to school.
A day after the government's warning, there is a door-to-door campaign at Hasewad village to educate residents on HIV/AIDS.
"They are not being ostracized. Give them a separate school and let them study there," said a villager.
Over the past two days, Collectorate officials have been holding meetings with the angry villagers to try and convince them that HIV was not a communicable disease. So far their efforts have had little impact.
"We are trying to educate the villagers but they are unwilling to talk to us," said Vilas Joshi, education officer, Latur district.
With villagers refusing to relent, the children now need all the help they can get from the government.
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