Imphal (Manipur) [India], June 17 (HBTV): Three injured Kuki men were shifted from the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) on Wednesday as tensions continued for the second consecutive day at the hospital until late at night. The injured were escorted under heavy security.
Police fired tear gas shells to disperse a mob protesting the admission of the three injured men at the hospital.
The men, who were injured in a firing incident at Leilon Vaiphei village, had been brought to RIMS on Monday under tight security arrangements for medical treatment.
Protesters, comprising members of the Naga and Meetei communities, demanded that the injured men be removed from the hospital, alleging that they were militants.
The protest, which began on Monday, intensified on Tuesday evening as a large crowd gathered outside the hospital gate and raised slogans. Police personnel initially attempted to control the crowd and prevent the situation from escalating.
However, as tensions mounted and the situation turned volatile, security forces resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse the mob and restore order.
Security has been tightened in and around the hospital premises to prevent any untoward incident.
Meanwhile, a similar incident occurred at the Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) mortuary in Imphal East on June 10, when police used tear gas to disperse protesters gathered after the bodies of six Naga villagers, who were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, were brought there.
According to Manipur Police, the mortal remains of the six individuals were recovered following extensive search operations.
In a statement, the police said, 'After nearly 24 hours of sustained search operations involving around 450 personnel of the Manipur Police, CRPF and Assam Rifles, assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic expert teams, the mortal remains of six persons were recovered this afternoon. The deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13, 2026.'
The police further stated that necessary legal formalities were being carried out and that an investigation into the case was underway.
(ANI)