Pic of me stepping into Casspir went viral, putting my life at risk : Dr Mohen
First hand account of trip on NH-2 spelt out
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 09 2025: With the Government's assurance to facilitate unrestricted movement across Manipur failing to yield the desired results on its first day, Dr Yanglem Mohen, former Medical Superintendent of RIMS and a key leader of the Indian Red Cross Society's Manipur branch, has contended that no adequate security measures were in place to support the initiative.

Notably, Dr Mohen and Yurembam Laingam, residents of Uripok Achom Leikai, took the Manipur State Transport bus to Senapati yesterday to test the initiative's effectiveness.

Pic of me stepping into Casspir went viral, putting my life at risk : Dr Mohen

Sharing his journey experience with the media at Manipur Press Club today, Dr Mohen said that his initial plan was to join the Federation of Civil Society Organisations' (FOCS) peace rally.

Saying that he decided to take the MST bus to Senapati after authorities denied permission for the peace rally, Dr Mohen maintained that he wanted to see first-hand if free movement was indeed possible.

Further stating that he and Laingam, however, were forced to switch to a security vehicle (Casspir) when the MST bus reached Sekmai, Dr Mohen maintained that a woman took their photo through the vehicle's window at Kanglatongbi, which quickly went viral.

Hundreds of Kukis gathered at Keithelmanbi and Gamgiphai after discovering through the viral photo that two Meeteis were inside the security vehicle, he said.

Recounting that the security vehicle carrying them came under heavy attack at both Keithelmanbi and Gamgiphai, he added that security forces fired a barrage of non-lethal weapons, including stun grenades, tear gas shells etc for about an hour to disperse the attackers in response.

Dr Mohen went on to state that he and his companion were forced to take shelter at a Border Security Force (BSF) camp in Keithelmanbi due to the volatile situation in Kangpokpi.

Saying that a large convoy of Assam Rifles came to rescue them at around 6 pm, Dr Mohen maintained that he and his companion reached Imphal at around 10 pm.

Dr Mohen expressed concern that top officials, including the Governor, DGP, Security Advisor, and Chief Secretary, seem out of touch with the reality on the ground in Manipur.

He questioned why routine patrols weren't conducted in vulnerable areas along the Imphal-Dimapur road, highlighting a significant security lapse.

Dr Mohen's recent experience highlights the potential dangers of security loopholes and the misuse of social media.

He pointed out that if the FOCS rally had taken place, there could have been casualties due to inadequate security measures.

He, meanwhile, appealed to the public to stop misusing social media, as it can put lives at risk.