A lorry driver was killed after suspected militants ambushed a security-escorted convoy of supply vehicles in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Thursday, triggering a gunfight with security forces and heightening tensions along the Imphal–Ukhrul route.
According to police, personnel of the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force and Manipur Police were escorting around 15 to 20 lorries carrying essential supplies towards Ukhrul when suspected militants opened fire near TM Kasom.
The truck driver sustained critical injuries and died on the spot. His identity was yet to be established at the time of filing this report.
Security personnel retaliated immediately, leading to a brief exchange of fire with the attackers. Officials said the situation remained tense, with intermittent firing reported along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road after the ambush.
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The attack came hours after unrest broke out at Shangkai village, where protesters allegedly attempted to block the movement of supply trucks by burning tyres on the road. Security forces fired tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse the crowd and clear the route for the convoy.
At least five civilians were reportedly injured during the confrontation at the village.
The ambush site was located around six kilometres from Shangkai village, underlining continuing security concerns along the highway corridor. Authorities had deployed security escorts to facilitate the movement of essential commodities to Ukhrul district amid prevailing tensions in the region.
The latest attack has renewed concerns over the safety of transport operators and the uninterrupted movement of goods in the hill districts.
Earlier this week, Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh met representatives of the Manipur Truck Owners’ Welfare Association and assured them of measures to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement along the state’s highways.
The incident follows another deadly attack near TM Kasom village on April 18, when two civilians, including a retired Army soldier, were shot dead by suspected militants.
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