Kuki CSOs issue 48-hour ultimatum over alleged firing inside PC Nursing Home

Kuki civil society organisations (CSOs) in Churachandpur has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Central Security Forces, the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police of Churachandpur, demanding accountability over an alleged incident of live ammunition firing inside PC Nursing Home at S. Canaan Veng, Tuibong, on the night of August 15.

The joint statement was issued following a collective deliberation by the Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, Kuki Chiefs Association, Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi, Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Kuki Women Union and Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights.

The organisations alleged that Central Security Forces entered the civilian healthcare facility, where critically ill patients were undergoing treatment, and fired live ammunition inside the premises.

The CSOs described the alleged incident as a “brutal invasion” of a medical facility and said the use of force in or around a healthcare facility was “wholly unacceptable.”

According to the CSOs, the authorities must identify and book all personnel involved and take “lawful, transparent and demonstrable action” against those found responsible within 48 hours.

The CSOs warned that failure to take what they described as credible and visible action within the stipulated period would compel them to launch various forms of agitation, including boycotts and non-cooperation with the Central Security Forces, the DC and the SP of Churachandpur.

They also urged all sections of society to remain peaceful, exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.

In a separate statement issued on August 15, the KSO Churachandpur said it was “bewildered and anguished” by the alleged incident at PC Nursing Home.

The student body alleged that security personnel entered the hospital and attempted to take away a patient, prompting bystanders to intervene on humanitarian grounds. It further alleged that the forces subsequently fired several rounds of live ammunition inside the hospital.

The KSO said the alleged firing caused trauma among critically ill patients and their attendants and could have aggravated their physical and mental condition.

The organisation condemned the alleged action and sought clarification from the security forces regarding the circumstances that led to the incident at the healthcare facility.

The KSO also appealed to all concerned to respect and maintain the sanctity of public places, particularly hospitals and other lifesaving healthcare facilities, warning that failure to do so could lead to further agitation.