Daijiworld Media Network – Imphal
Imphal, Oct 15: As many as 75 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and three civilians were hospitalised in Manipur's Imphal on Thursday after reportedly developing symptoms of suspected food poisoning following breakfast.
The affected individuals were taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) at around 1 pm after complaining of nausea and vomiting. According to officials, all 78 patients received immediate medical attention in the hospital's emergency department, and their condition was reported to be stable following treatment.
A RIMS official confirmed to the Press Trust of India (PTI) that the patients had fallen ill due to suspected food poisoning. However, the exact cause of the illness has not yet been established.
The incident has raised concerns after a large number of BSF personnel and civilians reported similar symptoms within a short period. There was no immediate information on whether all the affected individuals had consumed the same food or what items they had eaten for breakfast. Details about possible food sample testing or any investigation to determine the source of the suspected contamination were also not immediately available.
In a separate development, security forces arrested two alleged militants linked to banned organisations in Manipur for their suspected involvement in extortion activities, police said.
According to a police statement, state police commandos conducted an operation in the Singjamei area of Imphal West district on Tuesday, October 13, and arrested Ahongshangbam Pinkumani Singh, 39. He is allegedly an active member of the banned People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK).
In another operation, security forces arrested Mohammed Abdul Hakim, 60, from the Kwakta area of Bishnupur district. Police said he was allegedly associated with the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Wanglen) and was suspected of involvement in extortion activities in the area.
Security forces have continued search operations across Manipur since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023. According to police, operations are being conducted in border areas and other sensitive locations across the state's districts, alongside regular patrolling to strengthen security and prevent further unrest.
The ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has claimed more than 260 lives since May 2023, while thousands of people have been displaced from their homes.
Amid continuing security concerns and fears of a possible resurgence of violence, the Centre declared areas of Manipur as 'disturbed areas' under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months in September 2026. The measure allows the continued deployment of armed forces in designated areas to maintain law and order.
The hospitalisation of the BSF personnel and civilians comes as security forces continue operations across the state amid the prolonged ethnic conflict. Further details regarding the suspected food poisoning incident are awaited.