Manipur doctors stage protests against militant threats

Imphal, June 30 (ANI): Doctors, interns and other paramedical staff of Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) in Manipur staged a sit-in demonstration on Tuesday to protest against the extortion and life threats posed by regional militant outfits.

Dr. Y Mohen Singh, the Superintendent of the RIMS Hospital, said militant outfits use women for collecting the extortion money or for circulating demand letters to doctors and others in the hospital.

He claimed that such threats have resulted in Dr. L Joychand of RIMS to quit the job and go elsewhere after a woman was arrested for collection of extortion money from the people.

One such lady was arrested near the gate of this doctor, professor of radiotherapy, last Friday. Consequent upon the arrest of this lady, insurgent group is giving life threats to that doctor," Dr. Singh said.

He further mentioned that Dr. Joychand was held responsible for the release of the woman.

He fled since he could not sustain the pressure from the ultras.

"Our doctors should be equipped with licensed guns. So, at least one or two licensed guns the doctors should posses as part of self-defence. This is my personal feeling," Dr. Y Singh said.

Citing these incidents, the doctors have demanded that the state government must ensure safety and security of the medical fraternity. (ANI)