Imphal, 17 June (HS): Tension prevailed around the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal late Tuesday night as protests against the admission of three injured Kuki youths intensified, prompting security forces to use tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

Hundreds of protesters assembled near the hospital premises and continued their agitation until around 10 pm, demanding the immediate removal of the three patients who were admitted for treatment after being injured in a recent gunfight in Kangpokpi district.

A delegation of protesters held discussions with RIMS authorities and sought clarity regarding the transfer of the patients. Following the meeting, protest representatives informed the gathering that hospital officials had indicated that arrangements for shifting the patients were already underway and could be completed by midnight.

Despite the assurance, demonstrators refused to withdraw and continued pressing their demands. As the crowd grew increasingly agitated, security personnel fired several rounds of tear gas to prevent further escalation and restore order.

Protesters argued that the present agitation was linked to public outrage over the recent killing of six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village by Kuki groups. They claimed that the bodies of the victims remain in a mortuary awaiting justice and expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of arrests in the case.

The controversy erupted after three Kuki youths injured during an alleged exchange of fire near Leilon Vaiphei and Konsakhul villages were brought to RIMS for treatment. Several organisations opposing their admission have alleged that the injured youths were involved in attacks on civilians.

Earlier in the day, representatives of the protesting groups met Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand and sought his intervention. Protest leaders claimed that the Chief Minister assured them that the patients would be shifted from the hospital.

However, as of late Tuesday night, the patients remained at RIMS, triggering renewed protests. Hospital authorities maintained that the institute is duty-bound to provide medical care to all patients regardless of the circumstances surrounding their injuries and stressed the importance of uninterrupted healthcare services.

A heavy security presence continues around the hospital campus, while authorities have appealed for calm and restraint to prevent the situation from worsening.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash