Imphal, May 10: RIMS casualty has been shut down for an indefinite period with immediate effect to protest the abduction of Associate professor of the Department of Physical medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR), Dr Yumnam Nandabir by unidentified persons.

A press statement issued by the Teachers and Medical Officers� Association (RIMS) said that an emergency meeting was held today and the resolution to launch an indefinite cease work strike with immediate effect was taken.

The association has also appealed to all the concerned to release the professor at the earliest on humanitarian ground.

According to sources, Dr Nandabir was whisked away from his residence located near Porompat TV Tower by some suspected armed persons yesterday morning (6.30 am) after being called out from his home on the pretext of having �some talks�.

Police suspect that the abduction may be in connection with the monetary demand served on the institute by an underground outfit.

The amount demanded was Rs 30 lakhs.

Inspite of the disappearance (abduction) of the doctor, the family members have not yet formally registered a case with the police station concerned even though Porompat police have taken up a suo moto case on the matter.

To protest the abduction, PMR employees ceased work and closed down the Department from office hour today and declined admission of new patients even as patients admitted prior to the agitation were kept at the PMR block/ward.

The PMR block would remain closed till the release of the abducted doctor, said the employees.

An emergency meeting of heads of department presided by the RIMS Director Dr L Fimate was held at his office chamber at around 10 am today followed by another meeting held at the Jubilee Hall about four hours later.

Decision to cease casualty activities was taken at around 3.15 pm, said the source.

As many patients were left stranded by the decision to close the casualty ward, a good number of patients headed for JN Hospital while those capable of affording the costs are informed to head for private medical centres.

Moirang assurance: Even as the Ima Lup Keithel Phambi, Moirang has announced imposition of bandh at Moirang Municipal area from midnight today, the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has reportedly assured to comply to the Lup�s demand.

In a late evening development the CM is informed of have given assurances to the Moirang Municipal chairperson M Phullachand Singh release of second installment for the Moirang Keithel shed renovation/repairing work at the earliest.

Taking note of the Lup expressing remorse at alleged negligence of the State authorities in resuming construction activities, the CM also insisted upon a session with the PDA Chairman and other concerned officials.

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