Manipur: Protest at RIMS turns violent, security uses tear gas to disperse crowd

A protest at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) turned violent on Monday, June 15, after security personnel fired tear gas shells to disperse agitated demonstrators gathered at the hospital premises.

The protest was triggered by allegations surrounding the treatment of three Kuki individuals who had reportedly sustained injuries during a gunfight near Leilon Vaiphei and Konsakhul villages in Kangpokpi district and were admitted to RIMS.

A large number of protesters assembled outside the main gate of the hospital and raised slogans expressing dissatisfaction over the medical treatment provided to the injured individuals.

As the agitation intensified, sections of the crowd moved into the hospital campus, leading to a prolonged standoff with security personnel deployed at the site. According to reports, the situation escalated when some protesters attempted to enter the emergency ward, prompting a confrontation between security forces and demonstrators.

To bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation, security personnel resorted to firing tear gas, following which the protesters dispersed from the immediate area.

However, tensions continued to remain high as groups of protesters persisted with demonstrations outside the RIMS premises. Authorities maintained security deployment in and around the hospital amid concerns over further unrest.

No immediate reports of additional injuries or arrests were available at the time of filing this report.