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 June 17 under heavy security, following two days of sustained protests and repeated demands from civil society groups.
The transfer was carried out at around 12:15 am after the Manipur government reportedly assured representatives of the protesters that the patients would be moved from the hospital around midnight.
The issue had triggered demonstrations at RIMS over the past two days, with protesters seeking clarification regarding the identities and alleged affiliations of the injured persons and demanding their removal from the hospital. As tensions mounted around the campus, security forces had earlier used tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
Public anger intensified on June 15 after objections were raised over the admission of the three injured Kuki individuals. In response, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh reportedly assured protesters that the patients would be shifted from the medical institute.
However, when the transfer did not take place on June 16 as anticipated, demonstrators resumed their agitation and continued protesting into the evening. Representatives later met the RIMS Director, who reportedly assured them that the patients would be moved around midnight.
The protests continued late into the night before the transfer was finally carried out. Authorities have not disclosed where the patients were taken.
Speaking to reporters, one of the protesters stated that members of the Kuki community had previously travelled to Imphal and received medical treatment without opposition. According to the protester, the present demonstrations were influenced by public sentiment following the recent killing of six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village.
The protester further claimed that the bodies of the six victims remain at the mortuary of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) and alleged that no arrests had been made despite statements reportedly provided by released hostages. Concerns were also raised over the timing of bringing individuals injured in the recent gunfight to Imphal for treatment amid prevailing public anger.
Authorities have not issued any further details regarding the transfer or responded publicly to the concerns raised during the protests.
