Kangpokpi Chemists’ Body Condemns ‘Barbaric’ Attack on Medics, Demands Swift Action Against Culprits

The Chemist & Druggist Association, Kangpokpi District (CDAKD), along with members of the local healthcare fraternity, has strongly condemned the alleged assault on a government medical team, destruction of medicines and damage to ambulances during a deployment along the IT Road on August 27.

The CDAKD described the incident as a “barbaric” and “terror-like” act, asserting that the medical team was carrying out official government orders to provide essential healthcare services in a violence-affected area.

The medical team, led by Dr Mangpi Shoute, Senior Medical Officer, PHC Kangpokpi, was allegedly intercepted at Chavangkining village by a mob, which the association claimed was led by the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) and the Chavangkining Village Authority.

According to the association, healthcare personnel were assaulted, essential medical supplies were destroyed and emergency ambulances were heavily damaged during the incident, despite the presence of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

“This hostile act is not merely a disruption of public service, but a severe violation of law and an attack on the fundamental principles of healthcare delivery,” the association said.

The CDAKD said the alleged assault on healthcare personnel on duty attracted provisions of laws prohibiting violence against healthcare professionals, while the destruction of government ambulances and medical supplies could invite action under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.

It also pointed to provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, concerning obstruction of public servants in the discharge of their official duties.

The association further argued that deliberately destroying essential medical supplies in a vulnerable area endangered human lives and undermined the constitutional protection of life and health under Article 21.

Expressing “deep pain, regret and outrage”, the CDAKD demanded that the state government, law enforcement agencies and district administration immediately identify and apprehend those responsible and initiate stringent legal proceedings.

The association said no community or organisation could claim to uphold peace while allegedly targeting healthcare workers engaged in saving lives.

The CDAKD also issued a stern warning that failure to take prompt and decisive action would force it, in coordination with the wider healthcare fraternity, to launch “intense democratic agitations” and seek judicial intervention to ensure accountability.

“We stand for unity, harmony and mutual respect within our community, but we will never compromise on the safety of those who save lives,” the association said.