Protest erupts against bringing Kuki ultras to RIMS

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 15 : Security forces fired tear gas shells at the premises of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and its surrounding areas after a protest erupted today over the admission of three injured Kuki individuals who were brought to the hospital following a gunfight earlier in the day at Leilon Vaiphei.
The protest was triggered after the injured persons reportedly involved in the earlier exchange of fire were admitted to RIMS under heavy security escort.
Demonstrators alleged bias on the part of security agencies and the Government, and also raised questions over the handling of recent incidents involving Naga civilians who were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei and later found mutilated on June 10.
A large number of protesters gathered inside and outside the RIMS campus, objecting to the admission and treatment of the injured individuals, following which security forces fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the crowd.
The injured, identified as Genlenmang Vaiphei (18) of Leimakhong, Lunliandan Vaiphei (20) of P Molding, and Paogoulal Chongloi (18) of Kangpokpi, were brought to RIMS in an Indian Army ambulance under tight security arrangements around noon.
Following the buildup of unrest, security personnel closed the main entrance gate of the hospital to prevent protesters from entering the campus.
However, some demonstrators already inside the premises continued their agitation, opposing the admission of the injured Kukis.
The situation turned volatile around 3 pm when protesters attempted to storm the Casualty Ward by breaking through security barricades.
In response, security forces fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the crowd and push them out of the campus.
Despite repeated efforts by security personnel to clear the area, protesters regrouped near the main entrance of RIMS and continued their demonstration.
Around 5 pm, announcements were made via loudspeakers asking them to vacate the area.
When the protest continued, security forces again fired tear gas shells and mock bombs along both sides of the road leading to the hospital, dispersing crowds toward RIMS crossing on the southern side and up to the Lamphel Electricity Traffic Point on the northern side.
Clashes involving stone pelting and tear gas shelling continued intermittently till around 6 pm.
The situation remained tense at the time of filing this report, with protesters continuing to raise slogans against the Government and security forces near the hospital premises.
Meanwhile, executives of the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), who were present at the protest site, strongly criticized the Government and security agencies over the incident.
Speaking to reporters, ANSAM representatives questioned the handling of recent incidents involving Naga civilians.
They expressed shock that the injured 'Kuki militants' were brought to Imphal and admitted to RIMS under security protection, while stating that authorities failed to act promptly in earlier cases involving the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians at Leilon Vaiphei despite repeated appeals.
They further questioned the swift evacuation of the injured persons, alleging that security forces had remained inactive during the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians.
They questioned whether there is any nexus between the authorities and Kuki militant groups.
The Naga community is deeply hurt by the failure to protect Naga civilians, they said and demanded immediate action in connection with the killing of six Naga civilians while in captivity by Kuki groups.
They warned that the Naga community would not tolerate further if the authorities fail to respond appropriately.