Security forces immediately retaliated, leading to a brief gunfight with the attackers
KRC TIMES Manipur Bureau
IMPHAL : A truck driver was killed after suspected militants opened fire on a convoy of commercial vehicles travelling under security escort in Ukhrul district on Thursday, triggering an exchange of fire with security personnel.
According to police, a joint team comprising personnel from the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force and Manipur Police was escorting around 15 to 20 trucks carrying essential supplies towards Ukhrul when the convoy came under attack near TM Kasom.
Officials said the truck driver sustained critical injuries in the firing and died on the spot. His identity had not been established at the time of reporting.
Security forces immediately retaliated, leading to a brief gunfight with the attackers. Authorities said the situation remained tense, with further firing reported along the Imphal-Ukhrul road after the ambush.
The attack occurred 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 were injured during the confrontation.
The ambush site was located around six kilometres from Shangkai village, underlining continuing security concerns along the route. Authorities had deployed security escorts to ensure the transportation of essential commodities to Ukhrul district amid prevailing tensions in the region.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over the safety of transport operators and the uninterrupted movement of goods in Manipur.
Earlier this week, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met representatives of the Manipur Truck Owners’ Welfare Association and reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring safe highway movement.
The killing follows another attack reported on April 18 near TM Kasom village, in which two civilians, including a retired Army soldier, were allegedly shot dead by suspected militants.
