In Manipur, 3 patients with gunshots and a hospital on edge

2 min readGuwahatiUpdated: Jun 16, 2026 10:36 PM IST

Security personnel fire tear gas shells to disperse protesters near the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), in Imphal, Monday. (PTI)

Tensions continue to simmer in Imphal over the admission of three Kuki-Zo men, who were injured in a gunfight, to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), with an angry crowd gathering outside the building again on Tuesday night. Security forces used teargas to disperse the crowd.

Similar scenes were witnessed on Monday, after which security was deployed on the premises.

Those agitating against the admission include members of the Meitei and Naga communities, who continue to gather despite the institute being blocked by barricades.

Earlier in the day, the RIMS media cell issued a statement that all its services and departments were functioning normally. However, it condemned the use of teargas within the premises.

“RIMS strongly condemns the firing of mock bombs and smoke bombs within the hospital premises following the large-scale public protest that occurred yesterday. The institute expresses grave concern over the potential risks posed by such actions to patients, attendants, healthcare personnel, and the general public. Any activity that may compromise safety within the premises is a matter of serious concern and must be strictly avoided,” it stated.

The situation in Imphal and at the hospital has been tense since Monday morning after three Kuki-Zo men who sustained bullet injuries in an exchange of fire in Kangpokpi district between suspected Naga and Kuki-Zo groups were admitted there.

The state capital, where the institute is situated, is in the plains, where the Meiteis are in the majority. Kuki-Zos, on the other hand, dominate the hills. The Manipur conflict between the two communities, which began in May 2023, has of late spiralled into hostilities between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities.

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Sukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Guwahati. From this strategic hub, she provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of India's North East, a region characterized by its complex ethnic diversity, geopolitical significance, and unique developmental challenges.

Expertise and Experience

Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Deep-dive coverage of regional conflicts (such as the crisis in Manipur) and peace-building efforts.

Border & Geopolitics: Tracking developments along India’s international borders and their impact on local communities.

Governance & Policy: Reporting on state elections, tribal council decisions, and the implementation of central schemes in the North East.

Specialized Education Background: Prior to her current role, Sukrita was a dedicated Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi. This experience provided her with a sharp analytical lens for:

Policy Analysis: Evaluating the National Education Policy (NEP) and university-level reforms.

Student Affairs: Covering high-stakes stories regarding campus politics, national entrance exams, and the challenges within the primary and secondary education sectors. ... Read More