Imphal, June 15: Tension flared at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal on Monday after security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse protesters gathered at the hospital premises over the admission of three injured individuals.
According to reports, the three persons sustained injuries during an exchange of gunfire earlier in the day near Leilon Vaiphei and Konsakhul villages in Kangpokpi district and were subsequently brought to RIMS for treatment.
The situation escalated as protesters assembled outside the hospital’s main gate, raising slogans and objecting to the treatment being provided to the injured individuals. As crowds grew and tensions mounted, confrontations reportedly continued for several hours.
Security personnel eventually resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse the agitated mob and restore order at the medical institute.
The incident also drew members of both the Naga and Meitei communities to the hospital, reflecting the continuing sensitivities surrounding the ethnic conflict in Manipur.
Restricted movement between areas dominated by different communities has remained a defining feature of the Meitei-Kuki-Zo conflict, often limiting access to services and institutions across community lines.
Condemning the protests, Thangtinlen Haokip, a member of the Kangpokpi-based Committee on Tribal Unity, said access to healthcare should not be influenced by ethnic considerations.
“This is a very terrible and unacceptable situation. RIMS is not for any particular community, yet people are saying members of one community cannot seek treatment there, putting injured and unwell people at risk,” Haokip said.
The situation at RIMS remained tense for several hours before security forces brought the premises under control. There was no immediate report of injuries resulting from the tear gas action.
Also Read: 11 tribal youth bodies seek CM’s intervention over killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur
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