Security Forces Transfer Injured Kuki Men Amid Protests in Imphal

In a tense turn of events, three injured individuals from the Kuki community were relocated from the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal under heavy security measures shortly after midnight on Wednesday. This transfer followed two days of escalating protests against their hospital admission, according to reports from ANI.

The trio, who were injured during a shooting incident in the Kangpokpi district on Monday, were brought to the medical facility by security personnel for treatment. However, their presence triggered significant unrest among members of the Meitei and Naga communities, who accused them of being ‘militants’ and demanded their removal from the hospital. This situation reflects the broader tensions that have been simmering in the region.

On Tuesday evening, the protests intensified as large groups gathered outside the hospital, chanting slogans and attempting to breach the hospital’s gates. Initially, security forces attempted to manage the crowd, but as the situation escalated and some protesters reportedly hurled stones, tear gas was deployed to disperse the gathering. The injured individuals have been identified as Genlenmang Vaiphei (18), Lunliandaw Vaiphei (20), and Paogou Lal (18), with one being a football player who has represented Mohun Bagan in the past.

The incident that resulted in their injuries occurred near the border of Leilon Vaiphei, a Kuki-majority village, and Konsakhul, a Naga-majority area, underscoring the ongoing conflict between these two communities in Manipur. The situation in the state has been fraught with tension, as various ethnic groups vie for recognition and rights, often leading to violent confrontations.

As authorities have not disclosed the new location of the three men, concerns over their safety remain high amid the prevailing unrest. The ongoing conflict in Manipur has highlighted deep-rooted issues within the state, as both local and national leaders grapple with the escalating violence and seek to restore peace.

Source: scroll.in