Two HIV infected children have been barred by locals from joining class at a primary school near Kottiyoor in Kannur district of Kerala.

Eight-year old Akshara and her brother six-year-old Ananthu had come to the S N lower Primary school along with their HIV infected mother after securing admission to the school on Friday last, but were prevented by local people from entering the premises, the police said.

To avoid the situation from turning worse, the management of the school, which did not function on Wednesday, decided to close it down for two more days, they said.

Efforts were on to create an awareness among local people and parents of other children about AIDS.

The government has directed the authorities to ensure that the children were admitted to the school. However, even the
officials concerned reportedly did not come to the school to supervise the admission process.