Live Grenade Found at JNIMS Hospital Administrative Block Triggers Panic, Security Tightened

Imphal: Tension gripped the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) Hospital on Saturday morning after a live explosive device was discovered at the entrance of the hospital’s administrative block. 

The incident, which appears to be a targeted threat against a senior staff member, sent shockwaves through the medical community and the patient population.

Discovery and Immediate Response

The incident began at approximately 8:00 a.m. when a sweeper performing routine duties spotted a suspicious package wrapped in white paper near the main gate of the administrative building. 

Recognising the potential danger, the worker immediately notified the hospital administration, who in turn alerted the JNIMS police picket.

Local police cordoned off the area and restricted movement to ensure the safety of patients and medical personnel. A Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was dispatched to the scene shortly after. 

After a two-hour operation, the team successfully recovered the device, confirmed to be a hand grenade with the pin still intact, at around 10:26 a.m.

A "Last Warning"

The gravity of the situation was shown by a chilling message discovered with the explosive. According to sources, the white paper wrapping the grenade bore a handwritten threat, “Leimapokpam Ranjita Devi, Senior Sister, Last Warning – KCP Taibanganba.”

The message suggests the act was a deliberate intimidation tactic by the KCP Taibanganba, an insurgent faction, targeting a senior nursing official at the institute. 

Such incidents of extortion and personal threats against healthcare professionals have become a growing concern in the region, often disrupting essential medical services.

Heightened Security and Investigation

Security measures at the premier medical institute have been significantly strengthened. 

Personnel from the 150 Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) have been deployed at the administrative block's entrance to maintain vigilance and restore a sense of safety for staff and the public.

The Porompat Police Station has registered a case regarding the incident. Forensic experts are examining the recovered device and the accompanying note as part of a broader investigation to track down those responsible for the plant.

While the grenade was safely removed without any casualties, the psychological toll on the hospital staff remains high. 

The authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to identify the culprit and prevent future security breaches at the hospital.