Hours of tension and protests at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, came to an end late midnight yesterday after three Kuki youths undergoing treatment at the hospital were shifted to Churachandpur Medical College under tight security arrangements.
The three youths had been admitted to RIMS on June 15 after sustaining injuries in a gunfight at Leilon Vaiphei village. Their presence at the state’s premier medical institution had triggered protests and heightened security concerns, leading to a tense atmosphere on the campus over the past two days.
According to reports, a convoy of security personnel escorted the injured youths out of RIMS shortly after midnight. While authorities did not immediately disclose their destination, security sources later confirmed that they had been transferred to Churachandpur Medical College.
Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order and prevent any further escalation of tensions within the hospital premises. The transfer was carried out amid growing concerns over the deteriorating situation and the possibility of confrontation between groups gathered around the campus.
Large crowds had assembled in and around RIMS following the admission of the injured youths, with demonstrations continuing for several hours. Police and security personnel faced challenges in controlling the crowds as emotions ran high among protesters.
The situation at the hospital returned to normal following the transfer, with security forces continuing to maintain a presence in and around the campus as a precautionary measure.
