Violence in Manipur: Young Footballer Among Injured Amid Protests

In a troubling incident in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, three young individuals, including a footballer, were injured during a violent outbreak. The situation escalated into protests at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, where demonstrators questioned the security measures in place for the injured. Amidst the unrest, the hospital clarified its role in providing medical care, distancing itself from the security arrangements. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region and raises critical questions about the safety of civilians in conflict-affected areas.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 16, 2026, 12:03 IST

Recent Violence in Kangpokpi District

Seventeen-year-old Paogoulal Chongloi under treatment at RIMS, Imphal. (Photo)

Imphal, June 16: Paogoulal Chongloi, a 17-year-old midfielder for Mohun Bagan's Under-18 squad, is one of three young individuals injured during the recent violence in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur, drawing significant attention from the sports community amidst ongoing unrest in the region.

Chongloi, who plays under the Sadar Hills Football Association, sustained injuries alongside Genlenmang Vaiphei (18) and Lunliandaw Vaiphei (20) during a gunfire exchange between two suspected armed factions near Leilon Munlui, a Kuki village situated between Leilon Vaiphei and Konsakhul on Monday.

All three injured youths, part of the Kuki community, were transported via Leimakhong to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for medical care, with one reported to be in critical condition.

Their arrival at RIMS sparked widespread protests at the hospital on Monday evening, with demonstrators claiming that the injured individuals were militants.

Protesters raised concerns regarding the security measures in place during their transfer and treatment, questioning whether ordinary civilians traveling through Kuki-dominated areas of Kangpokpi would receive similar protection.

The protests escalated into violence, leading security forces to deploy tear gas and use batons to disperse the crowd. RIMS later condemned the use of mock bombs and smoke bombs within the hospital grounds during the unrest.

Police use tear gas on RIMS premises. (Photo)

In light of the situation, RIMS issued a statement emphasizing that its primary duty is to provide medical care and that it was not involved in the transportation or security arrangements for the injured youths.

According to the institute, "The injured individuals were brought in by the 183 Military Hospital, Leimakhong, for necessary medical treatment." RIMS refuted claims made in public discussions and media reports, clarifying that the 183 Military Hospital was responsible for their referral and transport, while security measures were managed by the relevant authorities.

RIMS reiterated, "Our sole responsibility is to deliver medical care to all patients admitted to the hospital. It is the ethical and humanitarian obligation of healthcare professionals to treat patients in need, regardless of their background or circumstances." The hospital also urged the public to refrain from disrupting its services, warning that such disturbances could negatively impact critically ill and emergency patients.