Imphal, May 29: A truck driver was killed after suspected militants opened fire on a convoy of commercial vehicles travelling under security escort in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on May 29, leading to a gunfight between the attackers and security forces.
According to police, a joint escort team comprising personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Manipur Police was accompanying around 15 to 20 trucks carrying essential supplies towards Ukhrul when the convoy came under attack near TM Kasom. The truck driver suffered critical injuries in the firing and died on the spot. His identity had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Security forces immediately retaliated, triggering a brief exchange of fire with the suspected militants. Officials said tension continued along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road, where additional firing incidents were later reported following the ambush.
The attack took place hours after unrest broke out at Shangkai village, where protesters allegedly attempted to block the movement of supply vehicles by burning tyres on the road. Security personnel used tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse the crowd and clear the route for the convoy. Reports indicated that at least five civilians sustained injuries during the confrontation.
The ambush site was located around six kilometres from Shangkai village, underlining ongoing security concerns along the highway route. Authorities had deployed armed escorts to ensure the movement of essential commodities to Ukhrul district amid continuing tensions in the region.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of transport operators and supply movement in Manipur. Earlier this week, Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh met representatives of the Manipur Truck Owners’ Welfare Association and assured them of the government’s commitment to maintaining secure and uninterrupted transport on the state’s highways.
The latest killing comes weeks after a similar attack near TM Kasom village on April 18, in which two civilians, including a retired Army soldier, were shot dead by suspected militants.
