CRPF-escorted medical team attacked in Manipur's Kangpokpi, three ambulances vandalised

A medical team comprising doctors and laboratory technicians from Kangpokpi District Headquarters was allegedly attacked at Chawangkining Liangmei Naga village, around 12 km from Kangpokpi town, while travelling under CRPF escort on the afternoon of August 27.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 2:30 pm, when the team was travelling to PHC T. Waichong as part of a Kangpokpi District Administration initiative to provide essential medical services at the health centre, where medical officers are currently unavailable.

The medical team had left the district headquarters along with three ambulances carrying medicines and medical supplies. According to an ambulance driver, a large group of people stopped the convoy before the situation allegedly turned aggressive.

The driver alleged that members of the crowd assaulted the medical personnel and vandalised the ambulances. In one instance, a person allegedly climbed onto the bonnet of an ambulance carrying a large stone and smashed its windshield.

Medicines worth lakhs of rupees, which had been brought for the scheduled medical outreach programme, were allegedly removed from the ambulances and destroyed.

A member of the medical team, Dr Pum Za Mang Shoute, reportedly sustained facial injuries after being struck by shattered windshield glass. He was provided first aid at Kangpokpi District Hospital after the team returned from the area.

Speaking about the incident, Dr Shoute said the team was carrying medicines intended to save lives when the convoy was attacked and the ambulances were damaged. He also expressed concern over the safety of medical personnel, particularly as the team was travelling under security escort.

The medical personnel said they could not identify the alleged attackers by name, although some were reportedly known to them by face.

The incident has raised concerns over the safety of government personnel providing essential services in vulnerable areas. The destruction of medicines meant for patients at PHC T. Waichong could also disrupt healthcare services in an area already facing a shortage of medical officers.

Following the incident, District Hospital Kangpokpi authorities lodged a formal complaint at Kangpokpi Police Station, seeking registration of an FIR and legal action over the alleged assault, vandalism and destruction of medical supplies.

The incident has also raised questions over the security of civilian personnel travelling on official duty, particularly those providing essential healthcare services in areas affected by security concerns. Authorities are now expected to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and take appropriate legal action.