Imphal: A truck driver died after suspected militants opened fire on a convoy of commercial vehicles under security escort in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday, triggering a gunfight with security forces.
According to police, a joint team comprising personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Manipur Police was escorting a fleet of about 15 to 20 trucks loaded with essential supplies heading toward Ukhrul when the convoy was attacked near TM Kasom. The driver of one of the trucks suffered fatal injuries and died on the spot.
According to PTI, the victim was Nitish Das, 65, hailing from West Bengal’s Hooghly district. His truck was loaded with rice for the Food Corporation of India, bound for Ukhrul from Imphal.
Security personnel immediately returned fire, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire with the attackers. Officials said the situation remained tense, with more firing reported along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road after the ambush.
Reports said the assault occurred hours after unrest broke out at Shangkai village, where protesters tried to halt supply vehicles by burning tyres on the roadway. Security forces used tear gas shells and smoke bombs to break up the crowd and guarantee the convoy’s passage. Reports said at least five civilians were hurt in the clash.
The ambush occurred about six kms from Shangkai village, highlighting continued security worries along the route. Authorities had assigned escorts for the convoy to ensure essential commodities could reach Ukhrul district despite ongoing tensions.
The incident has renewed fears about the safety of truck drivers and the movement of goods in the region. Earlier this week, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh met representatives of the Manipur Truck Owners’ Welfare Association and promised the government would keep highways safe and ensure smooth traffic flow.
Earlier, on April 18, a similar attack occurred when two civilians, including a retired Army soldier, were shot dead by suspected militants near TM Kasom village.
