Border Force Personnel Among 84 In Hospital After Food Poisoning In Manipur

84 people, including Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and civilians, were brought to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Manipur after falling ill following breakfast at Don Bosco School in Imphal's Phayeng area on Thursday, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to RIMS to assess the situation, Konthoujam said the affected people had breakfast at around 8.30 am, reportedly consisting of puri and potato curry. They subsequently developed repeated episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting, accompanied by a drop in blood pressure, prompting their transfer to the hospital.

"Altogether, 84 have come to RIMS. They are stable, except for one case," the Home Minister said.

The affected group included personnel of Company D of the 58th Battalion of the BSF, who had arrived in Phayeng on Wednesday. The exact breakdown of the 84 people between security personnel and civilians was not immediately available.

The incident is suspected to be a case of food poisoning, although the cause of the illness had not been officially established.

Konthoujam praised the RIMS doctors and the institute's director for providing treatment and attending to the patients. He said the hospital was managing the situation effectively and that no particular shortage or additional requirement had been brought to his notice.

He urged the public not to panic, saying the patients were receiving appropriate medical attention.