Children’s hospital attacked by armed miscreants in Imphal
KRC TIMES Manipur Bureau
Imphal : In the wee hours of Friday (July 05), unknown armed miscreants attacked a chariot being prepared for the upcoming Ratha Yatra festival in Imphal city of Manipur.
The incident occurred around 12:30 am of Friday (July 05) near the crossing of Sana Konung in Imphal city of Manipur. According to reports, the attackers arrived in a car from the direction of Advance Hospital, fired two rounds at the parked chariot, and quickly fled towards Palace Gate.
The police in Imphal East district of Manipur were alerted immediately and arrived at the scene to investigate and search for the perpetrators. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
This incident comes amid ongoing unrest in Manipur and debate on social media platforms about whether the Ratha Yatra festival, scheduled for June 08, should be celebrated. Last year, due to similar concerns, the Ratha Yatra was observed on a smaller scale, with only ritual ceremonies taking place and the traditional procession being cancelled.
Angel Hospital for Children at Uripok Achom Leikai in Imphal West district of Manipur, was attacked by armed miscreants on Thursday (July 04) night, police informed on Friday (July 05). The assailants opened fire on the hospital walls around 6 pm before fleeing the scene.
The motive behind the attack appears to be related to a monetary demand, according to Manipur police sources. In response to the attack, hospital staff, local women vigilantes known as Meira Paibis and various voluntary organizations held a sit-in protest at the hospital gate on Friday (July 05).
Protesters displayed banners and placards with messages such as “Stop harassment in the hospital”, “Stop firing at the public place” and “We want a peaceful atmosphere at the hospital”.
Shamurailatpam Modubla Devi, president of the Uripok Achom Leikai Nupi Apunba Lup, a powerful joint coordinating body, appealed for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. “Attacks on hospitals during conflict are one of the grave violations identified and condemned by the UN Security Council,” she stated.
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic conflict and communal violence since May 3 of last year. A Manipur police team arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and has registered a case. Authorities are continuing their investigation to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
