Imphal, 17 June (HS): Three injured Kuki patients receiving treatment at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal were transferred to Churachandpur Medical College shortly after midnight on Wednesday under heavy security arrangements, bringing an end to days of tension and protests at the hospital.

The relocation took place at around 12:15 am after the Manipur government reportedly assured representatives of the protesters that the patients would be moved from RIMS during the night. The issue had sparked widespread demonstrations over the past two days, with protesters demanding information about the identities and alleged affiliations of the injured individuals.

The situation at the RIMS campus remained tense as demonstrators continued their agitation, prompting security personnel to use tear gas on several occasions to disperse crowds and maintain law and order.

Public protests gained momentum following reports on June 15 that the injured Kuki individuals had been admitted to the hospital. Although Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh had reportedly assured protesters that arrangements would be made for their transfer, the move did not materialise on June 16, leading to renewed demonstrations.

Later, protest representatives met the RIMS Director, who informed them that the patients would be shifted around midnight. Demonstrators remained gathered near the hospital until the transfer was successfully completed in the early hours of June 17.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash