KYKL (O) strikes again, two officials shot

Imphal, January 17: Gunmen who identified themselves as cadres of the KYKL (O) today barged into the office of the Deputy Superintendent of RIMS, Dr Potshangbam Bedikumar at about 12.45 and shot him in the left leg. KYKL (O) claims responsibility. Following the incident junior doctors have indefinitely closed down the OPD and casualty ward of RIMS. A number of patients at the casualty ward had to be shifted to other centres while the more serious patients have been transferred to the wards. The administration and faculty members of RIMS have expressed profound shock and dismay over the shooting. The members strongly condemned such acts of violence within the sanctity of the hospital. According to spot reports, two youths armed with small arms came to the office of the Deputy Superintendent and after talking for sometime pulled out their guns and pumped in one bullet in the left calf of the doctor. RIMS officials said as soon as they heard the loud report of the gunfire they were under the impression that it was an LPG cylinder explosion. They realized the situation only after they inspected the office of the Deputy Superintendent. Dr Bedikumar was immediately rushed to the operation theatre and was later shifted to a Special Ward of the hospital. His condition is stated to be stable. Dr Bedikumar is a resident of Kwakeithel. After doctors closed down OPD and Casualty ward, RIMS Director convened a meeting with all heads of Department to discuss the development. The commander of Zone I of KYKL (O) later informed the press that the doctor was shot as he refused to pay RIMS tax to the outfit. He warned that if an agreement is not reached harsher punishment would be given to the concerned. Mark scam accused shot: Following the punishment meted out to two teachers of Manipur University by the KYKL (O) under its Operation New Kangleipak for their complicity in mark tampering and other irregularities, the outfit shot the Assistant Registrar of MU, Kh Manihar in the leg today for his alleged involvement in mark tampering. Manihar is a resident of Sagolband Nepram Menjor Leikai. A spokesman of the outfit said Manihar was shot in the leg for his complicity in MU mark tampering and other irregularities as part of the drive launched by the KYKL (O) to cleanse the rot in the education system. The Manipur University official was shot at Nongang village in Churachandpur district today at about 4.30 pm. He was spared capital punishment as he surrendered to the 'party on January 15 and admitted to his misdemeanors, added the spokesman. The KYKL (O) had earlier set an ultimatum to Manihar to surrender to the party. The spokesman also asked four other officials of the university to give up to the KYKL (O) by January 30. The four are Assistant Professor (English Dept) Ksh Khoidong, Imphal College, lecturer (English Dept) P Ibochou, DM College (Commerce) lecturer S Kulachandra and Babu of Moirang College. Mention may be made here that on January 13, the outfit had shot Associate Professor of Computer Science Department Oinam Imocha and Head of Computer Centre, M Jugeshwor in the leg for their alleged complicity in the mark tampering scandal that rocked the university. Education (S) Director A Shamungou was also shot in the leg for irregularities in the Department.