Manipur's RIMS students protest after director’s alleged “dance naked” remark sparks controversy

Tensions flared at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Imphal as MBBS students staged a massive protest for the second consecutive day, demanding the immediate removal of the Director, Dean, and Sub-Dean.

The protest erupted following serious allegations against the Director for using abusive and threatening language towards students. According to protestors, the Director allegedly told students to “dance naked,” “commit suicide,” or else he would “hang them.” Students claim the remarks have left them deeply disturbed, prompting the campus-wide agitation.

Gathering again today at the RIMS campus, students voiced their grievances and displayed placards reading: “Why Director Want Us To Be Naked,” “We Accept Punishment Not Harassment,” “We Condemn Sexual Harassment of Girls,” and “We Demand Removal of Director, Dean and Sub Dean.”

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Students also accused the Dean and Sub-Dean of subjecting them to continuous mental harassment, escalating calls for administrative action and accountability. The agitation shows no signs of slowing down as students demand immediate intervention from authorities.

On the other hand, RIMS Imphal has issued a clarification statement regarding the allegations of some of the students against whom disciplinary actions had been taken consequent upon their acts of indiscipline and defiant attitude.

According to a press release issued by RIMS Media Cell on Wednesday, verbal complaints were received from teachers of the Institute on April 29 that some students were planning for a picnic, while bunking classes on a working day (April 30). Considering the present turmoil in the state and April 30 being a working day, the students including RIMS Students' Union office bearers, were warned against going for a picnic.

However, it was learnt the next day that some of the students went ahead with their plan, defying the warnings and instructions from the authority.

In this regard, disciplinary action was taken to suspend them from classes up to a period of 15 days for some of the student,s along with payment ofa  fine, and asking the students to stay home till they start attending the classes, it elaborated.