Shot doctor Taruni Devi regrets 'wretched' life in Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 08, 2014: Dr Ngangbam (N) Taruni Devi (56) of RIMS Hospital, who had a miraculous escape after being shot at by unknown person(s) last night, expressed strong resentment that fundamental right of Manipuri people to live as free citizens has been facing serious challenge from unscrupulous elements.

Speaking to The Sangai Express from her hospital bed in RIMS Hospital, Dr Taruni revealed that for the past two months she had been living under tremendous mental distress following monetary demand from certain section of the society.

Expressing that like other citizens, Manipuris too deserve a live a life without fear or intimidation, Dr Taruni said attempt to slay someone for not bowing to extortion demand is most inhumane act.

Besides serving the people professionally, doctors too aspire to live with worldly comfort and security and any attempt to forcibly deprive such an aspiration amounts to curbing basic rights of the people, she said and referring to late night's incident opined that Manipuris seem to be caged and vulnerable to inhumane acts of disruptive elements.

CSPC Lawmkunga and DGP Shahid Ahmed enquiring condition of Dr Taruni

Conveying that she is feeling dizzy due to bullet wound suffered at the back of the head, Dr Taruni called upon all concerned to refrain from such acts so that the people could cherish livelihood.

According to her husband Dr Thoidingjam Bijoy, Dr Taruni was in her room at their Uripok Canteen Road residence at around 8.50 pm yesterday when unknown person(s) opened fire from the residential compound.

Speculating that the bullet that graced Dr Taruni on the back of her head might have deflected from the iron grill of the window, he said she was immediately rushed to RIMS Hospital, where her condition is stated to be stable.

Maintaining that Dr Taruni has been working at the Hospital for the past 25 years, he said even though it is normal for doctors to charge certain nominal amount for rendering professional service, poor and elderly patients are treated free of cost.

Dr Bijoy also left it to the people to decide whether or not life attempt for not ceding to extortion demand is justifiable.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga and DGP Shahid Ahmed enquiring condition of Dr Taruni at the hospital not only asserted that all possible steps would be initiated to track down the assailant(s) but also assured security cover to Dr Taruni and her family.

On the otherhand, a sit-in-demonstration was staged at near Dr Taruni's residence to denounce the life attempt on her.

The protest demonstration was jointly organised by Uripok Khaidem Leikai Meira Paibi and Uripok Khaidem Leikai Development Society.