Doctors, nurses decry use of mock bombs at RIMS
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 16 2026: The Indian Medical Association, Manipur State Branch and the RIMS Nurses' Association have strongly condemned firing of tear gas shells and mock bombs inside the campus of the RIMS Hospital, Imphal.

The firing of tear gas shells and mock bombs inside the RIMS campus to disperse protesters yesterday was an act that endangered patients, medical staff, and the sanctity of the healthcare institute, said the IMA State Branch in a statement.

A protest had erupted at the hospital yesterday after three injured Kuki militants were brought in for treatment.

The use of explosives devices and tear gas inside a medical facility is a grave violation of the safe and peaceful environment that patients and healthcare workers are entitled to, said the medical association.

"The IMA understands the heightened tensions and mistrust in the State.

However, turning a hospital into a battleground is unacceptable and undermines the very fabric of our healthcare system," it said.

The Government of Manipur and all security agencies must ensure the safety and security of all hospitals and healthcare personnel so that they can perform their life-saving duties without fear or disruption, it added.

The RIMS Nurses' Association too condemned the firing of tear gas and mock bombs yesterday and said it created panic among the patients and could have jeopardised their health.

The hospital has many critically ill patients, and the use of tear gas shells and mock bombs put their health and lives at risk, said L Ashangbi, an executive member of the Nurses' association speaking to reporters today.

No hospital should be subjected to such incidents in the future.

The authorities concerned of the Government should take appropriate measures to ban firing of tear gas shells and mock bombs in hospital campuses, she added.

Further, the association's representative asserted that the massive deployment of security forces at the RIMS campus has hindered healthcare services and caused panic among the patients and families.

By fortifying the hospital as a war zone, the security forces have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the patients, staff and those visiting the hospital, she said.

The authority concerned must safeguard the sanctity of the hospital, and make its environment conducive for rendering efficient healthcare service.

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