Kuki and Naga organisations reacted to the Leilon Munlui incident and subsequent RIMS protests, while RIMS clarified its role in treating the injured.
Imphal, June 15: The gunfight in Leilon Munlui village area in Kangpokpi district that left three youths injured and the subsequent protests outside the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, drew strong reactions from Kuki and Naga organisations on Monday, while RIMS issued a clarification regarding the treatment of the injured persons.
According to statements issued by Kuki civil bodies, three youths identified as Genlenmang Vaiphei, Lunliandaw Vaiphei and Paogoulal Chongloi were injured during an armed attack at Leilon Munlui village, also known as Leilon Vaiphei, in the early hours of June 15. The injured were initially taken to the 183 Military Hospital at Leimakhong before being shifted to RIMS for further treatment.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur condemned the attack and alleged that NSCN-IM and its proxy outfit ZUF-K were responsible. The organisation described the incident as an attack on civilians and urged the government and security forces to identify, arrest and prosecute those involved.
The Leilon Munlui Village Authority also condemned the attack, stating that three village volunteers sustained serious injuries. The village authority called upon the State and Central governments to take immediate action against those responsible and strengthen security measures in the area.
The Leimakhong Area Chiefs' Organization (LACO) expressed concern over the attack and appealed for an impartial investigation. The organisation also urged authorities to ensure the safety of the injured youths receiving treatment in Imphal.
Similarly, the Kuki Zo Council (KZC) condemned the incident and alleged that it formed part of a continuing pattern of violence targeting the Kuki-Zo community. The organisation also criticised the protests that took place outside RIMS while the injured youths were undergoing treatment.
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Meanwhile, the All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) and the Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM) objected to the decision to bring the injured persons to RIMS amid heightened public anger over the recent killing of six Naga civilians.
Speaking at a press conference in Imphal, ANSAM president Th. Angteshang Maring questioned the government's handling of the case related to the six slain Naga civilians and criticised the security arrangements made for the treatment of the injured persons. The organisation demanded swift action against those involved in the killing of the six Nagas and called for justice for the victims' families.
NWUM president Priscilla Thiumai also expressed concern over the decision to shift the injured persons to RIMS, stating that the move had further aggravated public sentiment at a time when demands for justice in the six Naga killings remain unresolved.
Amid the controversy, RIMS issued a clarification stating that the institute had no role in bringing the injured persons to the hospital or in arranging security for their movement and treatment.
According to the statement, the three injured persons were referred and brought to RIMS by the 183 Military Hospital, Leimakhong, for necessary medical treatment. The institute said security arrangements were made by the concerned authorities and not by RIMS.
"The sole responsibility of RIMS is to provide medical care to all patients brought to the hospital," the statement said, adding that doctors and healthcare workers are bound by professional, ethical and humanitarian obligations to treat all patients irrespective of their background or circumstances.
RIMS also appealed to the public not to obstruct hospital services, stating that disruptions could adversely affect critically ill and emergency patients receiving treatment. The institute sought cooperation from all sections of society to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of healthcare services.
The developments come amid heightened tensions following the recent killing of six Naga civilians and the latest violence reported from the Leimakhong-Kangpokpi area. Authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the allegations made by the various organisations at the time of filing this report.
