Reported by Bit Irom
Guwahati: Protests broke out at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal after three injured individuals from Manipur’s Kangpokpi district were admitted for treatment following a firing incident on Monday, June 15.
The unrest followed a reported exchange of gunfire near Leilon Vaiphei and Konsakhul villages, which left three people wounded.
As news of their admission spread, a large group of people gathered at the hospital and began raising objections.
The situation soon escalated, with demonstrators expressing anger over the treatment and circumstances of admission of the injured persons.
Tensions increased further when sections of the crowd moved into the hospital premises despite security arrangements. Protesters continued gathering outside the gate as well, creating a prolonged standoff.
Additional forces were deployed to prevent the situation from worsening, but protests continued throughout the day.
During the protest, T.P. Dining of the All Naga Students’ Association (ANSAM) made sharp remarks against security agencies, alleging that personnel had escorted the injured individuals to the hospital.
He claimed the violence was linked to clashes between rival militant groups and questioned the role of the authorities in handling the incident.
He also raised broader allegations involving militant activities and recent killings of civilians from the Naga community, demanding accountability from both state and central authorities.
As the situation intensified, security personnel eventually used tear gas to disperse protesters after a section of the crowd attempted to advance further inside the hospital, including towards emergency areas.
Following the action, demonstrators were pushed back from the campus.
Even after being dispersed from inside the premises, groups continued to protest outside the hospital, keeping the area tense.
Officials have not yet responded to the allegations raised during the protest, and security deployment remains in place at RIMS to prevent any further escalation.