Unidentified miscreants vandalised and set fire to parts of Churachandpur District Hospital, damaging the operation theatre wing and raising concerns over healthcare security.
Imphal, June 19: Churachandpur District Hospital suffered significant damage after unidentified miscreants allegedly vandalised parts of the facility and set fire to sections of the hospital late Wednesday night, prompting concern among healthcare workers and local residents.
The attack reportedly targeted the hospital's operation theatre (OT) wing, where property was damaged and fire broke out under circumstances that authorities are investigating. The incident has disrupted hospital operations and raised fresh questions about the safety of medical institutions in the conflict-affected district.
According to reports, the vandalism occurred less than a day after three injured Kuki youths were transferred from the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, to Churachandpur District Hospital under security arrangements. While no official link has been established between the transfer and the attack, the timing has attracted public attention.
Local sources said unknown individuals entered parts of the hospital premises and damaged infrastructure before fire engulfed sections of the building. Windowpanes and equipment were reportedly damaged during the incident. Some reports also suggested that medical equipment and hospital property sustained losses, although the full extent of the damage has yet to be officially assessed.
Hospital staff and emergency responders worked to contain the situation. There were no immediate reports of casualties resulting from the attack.
The incident has triggered concern among medical professionals, who warned that attacks on healthcare facilities directly affect patients and the delivery of essential services. Medical personnel expressed apprehension over the impact the damage could have on ongoing treatments and emergency care.
The Churachandpur Doctors' Association condemned the incident and appealed to the public to maintain peace and ensure the protection of healthcare institutions. The association reportedly also expressed concern over a separate burglary incident at the office of the Chief Medical Officer.
The hospital serves as one of the principal healthcare facilities in the district and caters to a large population from Churachandpur and adjoining areas. Any disruption to its functioning could affect access to critical medical services.
Authorities had not officially identified those responsible for the vandalism at the time of filing this report. Police and district officials are expected to assess the damage and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The attack comes at a time when Manipur continues to grapple with security challenges and communal tensions. Civil society organisations and residents have called for swift action against those responsible and urged authorities to ensure that healthcare facilities remain protected from violence.
Officials are expected to conduct a detailed assessment of the losses and initiate necessary repairs to restore normal services at the hospital.
