The Chemist & Druggist Association, Kangpokpi District (CDAKD), has strongly condemned the alleged attack on a government medical team in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district and warned of launching intense democratic agitation if authorities fail to take prompt action against those responsible.
The association said the incident took place on August 27 when a government medical team was carrying out an official medical deployment in the area. According to the CDAKD, the team was allegedly intercepted at Chavangkining village, where healthcare personnel were assaulted, medical supplies were destroyed and emergency ambulances were damaged.
Chemists’ Association Condemns Alleged Attack
In a statement issued on September 2, the CDAKD described the alleged incident as a serious attack on healthcare workers and public service.
The association said the medical team was led by Dr Mangpi Shoute, Senior Medical Officer at PHC Kangpokpi, and had been deployed as part of a government-directed medical service.
According to the association, the healthcare workers were allegedly stopped by a mob at Chavangkining village while carrying out their official responsibilities. The CDAKD further alleged that essential medical supplies were set ablaze and emergency ambulances were heavily damaged during the incident.
Allegations of Assault on Healthcare Personnel
The CDAKD alleged that members of the medical team were assaulted despite the presence of personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The association said the incident had disrupted essential healthcare services and raised serious concerns over the safety of doctors and other medical personnel deployed in sensitive and violence-affected areas.
According to the CDAKD, the alleged attack was not merely an obstruction of a government service but also represented a serious threat to the safety and functioning of healthcare professionals.
Immediate Legal Action Demanded
The Kangpokpi chemists’ body has urged the Manipur government, law enforcement agencies and the district administration to initiate immediate legal proceedings against those responsible for the alleged attack.
The association demanded that the accused be identified and arrested and that appropriate legal action be taken to ensure accountability.
The CDAKD said that violence against healthcare workers and the destruction of medical supplies and emergency vehicles should be treated seriously, particularly when medical teams are carrying out official duties and providing essential services to the public.
CDAKD Warns of Democratic Agitation
The association warned that it could launch an agitation along with members of the wider healthcare fraternity if authorities failed to take timely and effective action.
The CDAKD said its future course of action could include “intense democratic agitations” and legal intervention through the judiciary.
The warning reflects growing concern among members of the healthcare community over the safety of medical professionals working in areas affected by unrest and security challenges.
The association maintained that while it supported unity, harmony and mutual respect within society, it would not compromise on the safety and security of people engaged in saving lives and delivering healthcare services.
Safety of Healthcare Workers in Focus
The alleged attack has once again brought attention to the risks faced by doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel working in difficult and sensitive environments.
Medical teams are often required to travel to remote and violence-affected locations to provide treatment, emergency assistance and essential healthcare services. Any disruption to such operations can affect not only the medical personnel but also communities dependent on those services.
The CDAKD has stressed the need for authorities to ensure adequate protection for healthcare workers so that medical services can continue without fear of violence or intimidation.
Authorities Under Pressure to Respond
With the Kangpokpi chemists’ association demanding immediate action, attention is now expected to remain on the response of the state government, police and district administration.
The CDAKD’s threat of agitation has added urgency to calls for a thorough investigation into the alleged incident and action against those found responsible.
The association’s statement was signed by CDAKD president Vungkhohen Kipgen and secretary Letminthang Thang Khongsai. For now, the healthcare fraternity in Kangpokpi has made it clear that it expects concrete action to ensure accountability and safeguard medical personnel carrying out essential public duties.