Imphal, 30 May (HS): Transportation services along National Highway-37 in Manipur came to a standstill on Saturday as hundreds of truck drivers launched a protest against the killing of a fellow driver in an armed ambush and demanded enhanced security for vehicles operating on the state's highways.

The agitation follows the fatal attack on a truck driver from West Bengal, who was shot dead by suspected armed assailants at TM Kasom on the Imphal–Ukhrul Road on May 29. The incident has intensified concerns among transport operators over safety on conflict-affected routes.

As part of the protest, nearly 400 commercial vehicles, including LPG tankers, fuel carriers and goods trucks, remained parked at Keithelmanbi. Drivers gathered at the site to express solidarity with the deceased and urged authorities to ensure secure passage for transport workers.

Protesters called for stronger security deployment along major highways and sought the full reopening of National Highway-102, one of the state's most important supply corridors connecting Manipur with neighbouring regions.

Representatives of the transport community stated that truck operations would remain suspended until the government implements adequate security measures and restores normal movement on NH-102.

The indefinite suspension has sparked fears of disruptions in the supply of essential commodities, fuel and other goods across the state if the standoff continues. Meanwhile, security agencies are closely monitoring the situation, though no immediate announcement has been made regarding the transporters' demands.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash