Imphal: A medical team faced a violent ambush in Manipur on August 27. The crew left Kangpokpi District Headquarters around 2:30 pm. They travelled under CRPF escort to reach PHC T. Waichong. The mission aimed to deliver aid where no doctors work.
A mob blocked the three ambulances near Chawangkining Liangmei Naga village. This is 12 km from town. One attacker climbed onto a vehicle bonnet. He smashed the windshield with a heavy stone. The group proceeded to wreck the convoy. They pulled out and destroyed medicines worth lakhs of rupees.
Dr. Pum Za Mang Shoute suffered facial cuts from flying glass. He received treatment back at Kangpokpi District Hospital. Reflecting on the chaos, Dr. Shoute said, "the team was carrying medicines intended to save lives when the convoy was attacked and the ambulances were damaged."
Staff could not name the attackers. They did recognize some by face. Hospital leaders filed a formal report at the Kangpokpi Police Station. They want an FIR and prosecution for the assault and the ruin of medical supplies. This attack casts doubt on the safety of staff working in volatile zones.
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