Imphal: Three injured Kuki patients were transferred from the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal shortly after midnight on June 17. The move followed two days of sustained public protests and demands from civil society groups for their removal from the medical facility.
The situation at the hospital escalated on June 15 after demonstrators objected to the presence of the patients. While security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds, the agitation continued until authorities committed to the transfer. Protesters had sought clarification regarding the identities and alleged affiliations of those being treated, leading to meetings between demonstrator representatives and the RIMS director.
One protester indicated that current tensions stem from the recent killing of six Naga civilians abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village. Speaking to reporters, the individual stated, "The bodies of the six victims remain at the mortuary of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences and alleged that no arrests had been made despite testimonies from released hostages regarding the incident."
The protester expressed deep concern regarding the timing of the patients' arrival for medical care given the existing public anger. Although the Manipur government confirmed the patients would be moved, officials have not disclosed the location where the patients were relocated or issued further statements regarding the security operation.
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