Imphal: Healthcare workers in Manipur took a stand on Saturday, August 29. Doctors and nurses in Kangpokpi district donned black badges outside the District Hospital. They want safety. This follows an August 27 attack on a medical team traveling to the T. Waichong Primary Health Centre.
A mob intercepted the convoy in Chawangkining village. They targeted the medical team, injuring three staff members, including a doctor. The attackers smashed three ambulances and destroyed medicines valued at lakhs of rupees. Dr. Len Kamkhosat Khongsai said the group used sticks, boulders, and stones during the assault. He claimed the security escort present at the scene failed to intervene.
Dr. Khongsai stated, "The mob tried to dislodge the doctors and medical staff from the ambulances and attacked them with stones, boulders and sticks/lathis. All the glass panes of the ambulances were broken." The team narrowly escaped the mob thanks to their ambulance drivers.
The Kangpokpi Health Department insists medical staff serve all people regardless of background. Protesters held signs demanding dignity and protection for those on the front lines. The Kangpokpi unit of KWOHR also condemned the violence, calling it a major human rights violation. They allege that local blockades in the Twilang region have caused four deaths by preventing access to emergency care.
The organization claims the state government is failing to provide security for Kuki-Zo villages. Protesters are now demanding swift action against the attackers. They want guaranteed safe passage for medical supplies and teams. Medical personnel remain on edge as they wait for authorities to secure their routes.
Comments