Three injured Kuki patients receiving treatment at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal were shifted from the hospital premises shortly after midnight on Wednesday amid tight security arrangements, following two days of protests and repeated demands from civil society groups. The patients were moved at around 12:15 am on June 17 after the Manipur government reportedly assured protest representatives that the transfer would take place around midnight. The issue had triggered demonstrations at the hospital campus, with protesters demanding the removal of the patients and seeking clarity from the government regarding their identities and alleged affiliations. The situation around RIMS remained tense over the past two days as members of various groups gathered outside the hospital and continued their agitation. Earlier, security personnel had used tear gas to disperse demonstrators as tensions escalated around the campus.
The protests intensified on June 15 after objections were raised over the admission of the injured Kuki individuals at the hospital. In response to the growing public pressure, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh reportedly assured protesters that the patients would be shifted from RIMS. However, when the transfer did not take place on June 16 as many protesters had expected, demonstrations resumed and continued throughout the evening. Representatives of the protesters later held discussions with the Director of RIMS, who reportedly informed them that arrangements had been made to shift the patients around midnight. Protesters remained gathered outside the hospital late into the night until the transfer was finally carried out. Authorities have not disclosed where the patients were taken after being moved from the hospital. Speaking to reporters, one of the protesters said members of the Kuki community had travelled to Imphal and received medical treatment in the past without facing objections.
The protester, however, said the current demonstrations were linked to public anger following the recent killing of six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village. According to the protester, the bodies of the six victims are still lying at the mortuary of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS). The protester further alleged that no arrests had been made in connection with the incident despite statements from hostages who were later released. The protester also questioned the timing of bringing injured individuals allegedly linked to the recent gunfight to Imphal for treatment, saying the move had heightened public resentment at a time when emotions remained high over the killings.
