Imphal: Three injured youth, whose admission to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences here sparked widespread protests, were transferred from the hospital shortly after midnight under tight security, officials said on Wednesday.
The three youths, all belonging to the Kuki community, were injured in a shootout with rival armed tribal groups in Kangbukpi district on Monday.
Officials said that at approximately 12:15 a.m., the injured youth were transferred from the hospital amid tight security arrangements to ensure their safety.
They are being transferred to another healthcare facility, although authorities have not revealed the destination.
Security forces escorted the ambulances carrying the three and were seen heading towards the road leading to the Churachandpur area.
On Tuesday evening, security forces thwarted attempts by demonstrators to storm the hospital building. The demonstrators were demanding that the three young men be handed over to them.
The protesters also pelted stones at security personnel deployed at the RIMS gate, prompting troops to fire several tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Earlier on Monday, protesters claimed that the three young men were “armed” and were injured in a shooting near the village of Lilon Fife at around 6am.
Lilon Faife is the village from which six members of the Naga tribal community were kidnapped on May 13. The bodies of the six men were recovered on June 10.
The injured youths Genlenmang Vaiphei, Lunliandaw Vaiphei and Paogou Lal were brought to RIMS by security forces.
One of them is reportedly a footballer who played for Mohun Bagan.
After being admitted to the hospital, a group of protesters gathered outside the RIMS building, protesting the treatment of injured youth there.
Officials said that security personnel fired tear gas canisters and resorted to using batons after the demonstrators tried to enter the hospital building.
