84 BSF personnel hospitalised in Manipur after suspected food poisoning
Synopsis
84 BSF jawans newly arrived from Chhattisgarh were rushed to RIMS in Imphal after falling ill following breakfast at a construction-site camp in Lamshang. All are stable, but the incident spotlights food safety gaps in temporary security deployments across an already volatile Manipur.
Key Takeaways
84 BSF personnel were hospitalised on 15 October 2026 after suspected food poisoning at a camp in Lamshang, Imphal West .
The jawans had arrived from Chhattisgarh on Wednesday and fell ill after eating puri and aloo sabzi at around 8.30 am .
All personnel are being treated at RIMS, Imphal and their condition is reported as stable with no signs of deterioration.
Tests are underway to formally determine the cause of the suspected poisoning.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh both expressed concern and visited or posted about the incident.
BSF and other CAPF units have been deployed across Manipur since ethnic violence began in May 2023 .
At least 84 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel deployed in Manipur were hospitalised on Thursday, 15 October 2026, after suspected food poisoning following breakfast at their camp in Lamshang, Imphal West district, officials said. The affected jawans are currently receiving treatment at the government Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal, and their condition is reported to be stable.
What Happened
The BSF personnel had arrived in Manipur from Chhattisgarh on Wednesday and were lodged at a construction site camp at Taothong Lamkhai in Imphal West. They reportedly fell ill after consuming puri and aloo sabzi for breakfast at around 8.30 am, after which they were swiftly transported to RIMS for emergency care.
Medical Assessment
A senior doctor at RIMS confirmed that the personnel were admitted to the emergency department and that there were no signs of deterioration in their health. Tests are currently being conducted to formally determine the cause of the suspected food poisoning, the doctor said. The hospital official stated that all 84 personnel received immediate medical attention and remained in a stable condition.
Government Response
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed concern over the incident in a social media post and extended his wishes for the jawans' recovery. 'The well-being of our security personnel remains a priority. I wish all the affected jawans a speedy and complete recovery. The concerned authorities are urged to ensure that they receive the best possible medical care. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this time,' Khemchand Singh said.
Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, who visited RIMS personally, also posted on social media: 'Wishing every affected jawan a speedy and complete recovery.' He confirmed the personnel had arrived from Chhattisgarh and were stationed at the Taothong Lamkhai camp.
Broader Context
BSF personnel, alongside those from various other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the Army, have been deployed across Manipur to assist in maintaining law and order. The state has remained under heightened security since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, leading to sustained multi-agency deployments. This incident underscores the logistical and welfare challenges associated with large-scale security deployments in conflict-affected regions. Authorities are expected to review food safety protocols at temporary accommodation camps following the episode.
Point of View
Which often operate outside the supply chains and hygiene standards of permanent bases. Manipur's ongoing security deployment involves thousands of personnel lodged in ad hoc facilities; a systemic audit of catering arrangements at such camps is overdue. The swift political response from the Chief Minister and Home Minister is appropriate, but the real accountability question is whether camp provisioning protocols will be revised or whether this will be logged as an isolated event and forgotten.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the food poisoning among BSF personnel in Manipur?
The exact cause is yet to be confirmed; tests are currently being conducted at RIMS, Imphal. The personnel reportedly fell ill after consuming puri and aloo sabzi at their camp in Lamshang, Imphal West, at around 8.30 am on 15 October 2026.
How many BSF jawans were affected and what is their condition?
At least 84 BSF personnel were hospitalised. A senior RIMS doctor confirmed there are no signs of deterioration and all are in a stable condition following emergency treatment.
Where were the BSF personnel stationed and where did they come from?
The personnel had arrived in Manipur from Chhattisgarh on Wednesday and were lodged at a construction-site camp at Taothong Lamkhai in Imphal West district at the time of the incident.
How did the Manipur government respond to the incident?
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh posted on social media urging authorities to ensure the best possible medical care and wishing the jawans a speedy recovery. Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh visited RIMS personally and also wished the affected personnel a full recovery.
Why are BSF personnel deployed in Manipur?
BSF and other Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed across Manipur to assist in maintaining law and order following ethnic violence that has affected the state since May 2023.
