Imphal: The RIMS Nurses Association (RNA) Lamphelpat in Imphal on Tuesday expressed strong disappointment over the security forces used of force being to control the crowd inside the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) hospital premises.
Addressing the media persons, Lourembam Rajanibala Dev, Nursing Officer and General Secretary of RNA, strongly condemned the security operation carried out inside the hospital premises on June 15, alleging that the use of smoke bombs, tear gas and other crowd-control measures created panic among the public, especially the patients, attendants and healthcare workers.
The RIMS nursing officer alleged that despite a request, the security forces went ahead and carried out the operation.
“We strongly condemn the actions of security personnel inside the hospital campus. The use of smoke bombs, tear gas and similar measures created a chaotic atmosphere and caused fear among patients, their families and healthcare workers,” Rajanibala said.
She appealed to security agencies and higher authorities to maintain peace within the hospital and refrain from conducting operations that could disrupt medical services.
“A hospital is a place for healing. Any action that needs to be carried out should be done outside the hospital premises. We urge the authorities to ensure that peace and normalcy are maintained inside the campus,” she stated.
The nursing officer further appealed to the state government to adopt alternative measures that would safeguard both public interests and the functioning of healthcare institutions without disturbing patients and medical staff.
The nursing leader also acknowledged the efforts of the RIMS administration, stating that the Director had assured the association that all possible steps were being taken to maintain calm and order within the hospital.
Highlighting the concerns of nurses and hospital staff, she demanded the removal of security vehicles stationed inside the campus, saying their presence creates an atmosphere of fear.
“We do not want the hospital to look like a war zone. The presence of security vehicles and heavy deployment inside the campus is distressing. We want a peaceful and calm environment where patients can receive treatment without fear,” she said.
She added that movement within the hospital had been affected and reiterated the association’s call for a peaceful resolution to the situation.
Expressing hope for a positive outcome, Rajanibala said the nurses were confident that the authorities and the government would take appropriate steps to restore normalcy and ensure a secure and patient-friendly environment at RIMS.
On Monday, following the admission report of three injured Kuki individuals at RIMS, a large number of people attempted to enter the hospital and staged protests. The protesters expressed disappointment over the three Kuki individuals admitted to the hospital.
Heavy security measures were being put up, and smoke bombs and tear gas were used to control the irate crowd, causing panic inside the hospital premises.
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