Imphal, September 16: Despite its laudable efforts in saving many sick and needy people, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) is literally unable to immunise itself from being frequently targeted by banned organisations.

Having faced many adversities in its long and enviable existence as a premier medical institute of the North East region, RIMS is confronted with yet another confrontation with armed outfit as a combined Kuki rebel group have asked authority concerned to shut down RIMS.

Speaking to media persons today, the Institute's Director Prof L Fimate claimed of a letter issued by combined force of two Kuki organizations threatening the North Eastern Council-run RIMS to immediately close down for not honouring the rebels' demand to reserve/allot four posts in the name of the outfits.

A letter without logo or other particulars of the sender/group but claimed as a combined force of Kuki National Army and Kuki National Front (Military Council) also intimated that the medical superintendent and Deputy Director would be house arrested besides demanding that interview for appointment of some posts in the institution slated to begin from September 18 be put on hold.

addressed to the Director RIMS the letter also contained details insisting that it was served as RIMS authorities did not reciprocate positively to the outfits' earlier proposal to reserve one post of laboratory assistant, two staff nurses and one Lower Division Clerk in its name.

Prof L Fimate said the unsigned letter was found in the morning at his office.

Rejecting demands of the two purported combined force, he said all appointments at RIMS would be done purely on merit basis and there would be no room for favouritism.

RIMS is conducting interview for posts of laboratory assistant, morgue assistant, senior technician (Toxicology), dental hygiene, carpenter and driver etc from September 18, he said and informed that interview for appointing staff nurse and LDC has been postponed.

Dismissing the threat the director, doubting the sender's authenticity said "we will not cow down to such threats and will proceed holding the interview smoothly under tight security vigil." He appealed to all concerned not to interfere and hamper the good academic atmosphere or impede progressing development of the institute which is making all out effort to secure similar status as AIMS.

Prof Fimate also iterated that the institute would not succumb to any pressure from any group however strong they may be.

Responding a query he said, "since this threatening letter has landed here a problem has now been created and any unwanted incident may happen anytime for which we would seek extra security support to proceed with our academic process and begin the interview".

A formal complaint would be lodged to the police on the matter, he disclosed.

The institute's deputy director in-charge E Debendra Singh and medical superintendent Prof Y Mohen Singh who are under threat by the combined force said they would also apply for security cover.

Sources said some major underground groups of the state have asked the RIMS authorities to conduct the interview in the most free and fair manner so that only the qualified candidate get the job deserved.

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