Ukhrul: Passengers travelling on the Ukhrul–Imphal road were reportedly stopped by armed militants near Mongkot Chephu village in Ukhrul district on Wednesday, according to sources.

Preliminary information suggests that a Winger van heading from Ukhrul towards Imphal was allegedly hijacked during the incident.

In a hurried phone call made before contact was lost, an elderly passenger is said to have informed family members that the vehicle had been forcibly stopped and that the passengers were being taken away near Shangkhai and Mongkot Chephu, small Kuki villages under Ukhrul district.

Unconfirmed reports circulating on social media also claimed that several vehicles travelling along the Imphal–Ukhrul road were stopped near Mongkot Chephu village. However, there was no official confirmation from the authorities at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, separate reports indicated that a confrontation between armed groups had been taking place in the Thoyee and Shangki hill range areas since around 9 am on Wednesday. Further details are awaited as the situation continues to develop.