RIMS students continue protest for 2nd day, demand removal of Director, Dean and Sub Dean

The unrest at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, entered its second day as students continued their mass protest demanding the immediate removal of the Director, Dean, and Sub-Dean. The agitation, which began in response to alleged abusive behaviour by the Director, has gained momentum with students uniting across the campus in outrage.
Protesters allege that the Director used deeply offensive and threatening language during an interaction with students, reportedly telling them to “dance naked,” “commit suicide,” or that he would “hang them.” The remarks, which students say amounted to verbal abuse and psychological intimidation, have triggered widespread condemnation and an outpouring of anger across the institution.
Demonstrating on campus with placards and slogans, students demanded accountability and immediate action. Messages such as “Why Director Want Us To Be Naked,” “We Accept Punishment, Not Harassment,” and “We Demand Removal of Director, Dean and Sub Dean” reflected the prevailing sentiment among the agitating students. Some placards also highlighted concerns over the alleged mistreatment of female students.
In addition to the Director, students have accused the Dean and Sub-Dean of fostering an environment of ongoing mental harassment. The situation has escalated with calls for administrative overhaul and intervention from higher authorities to address what students describe as a toxic atmosphere on campus.
Meanwhile, the administration of RIMS has responded with a clarification. In a statement issued by the RIMS Media Cell on Wednesday, the institute defended the actions taken against certain students, claiming disciplinary measures were initiated after they defied warnings and skipped classes to go on a picnic on April 30, a working day.
According to the press release, the administration received verbal complaints from faculty on April 29 about the students’ plans. Despite warnings, some students, including members of the RIMS Students’ Union, proceeded with the outing. As a consequence, several were suspended from attending classes for up to 15 days, fined, and asked to stay home until classes resumed for them.