Manipur: Truck Driver Killed in Militant Ambush on NH-202, CM Condemns Deadly Attack
A truck driver from West Bengal was killed and a police constable injured after suspected militants opened fire on a convoy carrying essential commodities along NH-202 in Manipur's Ukhrul district amid a Kuki-imposed highway shutdown.
IMPHAL- A truck driver from West Bengal was killed and a police constable injured after suspected militants ambushed a convoy of trucks carrying essential commodities along National Highway-202 in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday, highlighting the continuing fragility of the security situation in the state’s hill districts.
The attack took place around 11 a.m. near TM Kasom village under Litan Police Station when a convoy of 15 to 20 trucks transporting essential supplies, including Food Corporation of India (FCI) rice, was moving towards Ukhrul.
According to preliminary reports, unidentified armed assailants opened fire from the Patleijang area towards the convoy. One truck driver, a resident of West Bengal, sustained bullet injuries and later succumbed to them. Security personnel escorting the convoy immediately responded to the attack.
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Forces comprising the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Manipur Police and the Army reportedly returned fire. During the ensuing confrontation and related operations to clear road blockades, a police constable sustained a bullet injury to his knee. Officials said no other major casualties had been reported as of the filing of this report.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of a shutdown imposed by Kuki groups along the highway. The bandh was called in protest against the killing of three Baptist church leaders in Kangpokpi district on May 13. Protesters have also demanded the release of alleged hostages and raised concerns over what they describe as excesses by security forces during recent demonstrations.
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Earlier in the day, security forces used tear gas to disperse bandh volunteers who attempted to block the highway at Sangkai Kuki Khul. Several vehicles and trucks were reportedly stranded along sections of the route, further disrupting the movement of goods.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh condemned the attack in strong terms, describing the killing of a driver engaged in transporting essential supplies as a “cowardly act.” He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased driver and wished a speedy recovery to the injured police constable.
In a statement, the Chief Minister said the attack appeared intended to undermine ongoing efforts by the state government to restore peace and normalcy. He added that search and cordon operations had been launched in nearby areas to identify and apprehend those responsible.
National Highway-202 remains one of the critical supply routes connecting parts of Manipur. Any disruption along the corridor has significant implications for the transportation of food, fuel and other essential commodities to various districts.
The latest ambush once again underscores the challenges facing authorities as they seek to maintain law and order amid continuing ethnic tensions and periodic outbreaks of violence in the state. Security forces remain on high alert while investigations into the incident continue.
Authorities have appealed for calm and cooperation from all communities as efforts are made to restore normal movement along the highway and prevent further escalation.
