Imphal, 29 May (HS): A truck driver lost his life after suspected militants attacked a convoy of commercial vehicles travelling under heavy security escort in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday, officials said.
The incident took place near TM Kasom when a convoy of around 15 to 20 trucks carrying essential commodities towards Ukhrul came under sudden gunfire from suspected militants. The convoy was being escorted by a joint security team comprising personnel of the BSF, CRPF and Manipur Police.
Police said the truck driver suffered fatal injuries during the attack and killed on the spot. His identity was yet to be confirmed till the filing of this report.
Following the ambush, security personnel retaliated immediately, triggering a brief exchange of fire in the area. Authorities later reported intermittent firing along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road, keeping the situation tense.
Earlier in the day, tension had also surfaced at Shangkai village where protesters attempted to stop the movement of supply vehicles by burning tyres on the road. Security forces used tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse the demonstrators and clear the route for the convoy. At least five civilians were reportedly injured during the confrontation.
Officials stated that the attack site is located nearly six kilometres away from Shangkai village, underlining the fragile security situation prevailing along the highway. Security escorts had been deployed to ensure uninterrupted transportation of essential goods to Ukhrul district amid ongoing unrest in the region.
The latest incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of transport operators and supply movement in Manipur. Earlier this week, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had assured representatives of the Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association that the government would continue taking steps to guarantee safe passage on national highways.
Notably, on April 18, two civilians, including a retired Army personnel, were shot dead by suspected militants near TM Kasom village in a similar attack.---------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
