3 injured Kuki youths shifted from Imphal hospital amid protests, tear gas

Guwahati: Three injured Kuki youths undergoing treatment at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal in Manipur were shifted to Churachandpur district around midnight amid heavy security. There was a huge protest outside the hospital, prompting security forces to fire tear gas shells to control the situation.

On June 15, there was firing between Konsakhul and Leilon Vaiphei villages in the Kangpokpi district which led to three people being injured. Konsakhul is a Naga-dominated village and Leilon Vaiphei is a Kuki-dominated one.

Also read: 3 injured in Manipur firing; protests at Imphal hospital


The injured were initially taken to Leimakhong before being shifted to RIMS in Imphal for treatment. They were identified as Genlenmang Vaiphei, Lunliandaw Vaiphei and Paogou Lal.

A senior police official said, "A convoy with huge security deployment took the injured youths to Churachandpur amid concerns over the deteriorating situation at the hospital. Every day, there were protests outside RIMS, raising concerns about security."

The official said, "Large crowds had gathered in and around the premises, with agitations continuing for several hours. Imphal is largely inhabited by Meiteis and Nagas."

Nurses and medical staff at RIMS decried security operations. Their association's general secretary, L Rajanibala Devi, expressed concern over the use of smoke bombs and tear gas within the campus.