Imphal: Tensions in Manipur have reached the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences as protests and security deployments surround the treatment of three Kuki youths. The patients, identified as Lunliandan Vaiphei, Genzamang Vaiphei, and Paogoulal Chongloi, were transferred from a military hospital on June 15 after suffering gunshot wounds in recent violence. While all three are recovering following surgery, their presence at the facility prompted demonstrations from groups demanding their removal.
Hospital authorities emphasized their obligation to treat every patient regardless of the circumstances. In a formal statement, the RIMS Media Cell declared, "The sole responsibility of RIMS is to provide medical care to all patients brought to the hospital. It is the professional, ethical and humanitarian duty of doctors and healthcare workers to attend to and treat patients." They further urged the public to respect the neutrality of the campus to ensure essential services continue uninterrupted.
The RIMS Nurses Association criticized the use of security measures within the hospital grounds, including the deployment of smoke bombs and tear gas. General Secretary L Rajanibala Devi stated that the presence of security vehicles and personnel creates an atmosphere of fear that hinders healing. She argued that any necessary crowd control must be conducted away from the facility to preserve a safe environment for those seeking medical attention.
Government officials have reportedly engaged with civil society representatives to address the ongoing situation. Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur has lifted an economic blockade following government promises to secure the supply of essential commodities, provided that food and medicine deliveries remain consistent in the coming days.
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