A truck driver working for the Food Corporation of India was killed and a police constable was injured after suspected militants ambushed a security-escorted convoy in Ukhrul district of Manipur on Friday. Manipur Police revealed this today. The incident occurred near T.M. Kasom village in the Litan area, prompting a large-scale security response and renewed concerns over safe transportation of essential commodities in the state.
Quick Glance
- FCI truck driver Nitish Kumar was killed in an ambush in Ukhrul district.
- A police constable attached to Litan Police Station sustained injuries.
- Security forces launched search operations following the attack near T.M. Kasom village.
- Authorities maintained supply movement by escorting 622 essential goods vehicles along NH-37.
Agartala/Imphal: A deadly attack on a convoy transporting essential goods has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in parts of Manipur.
According to state police, the incident occurred on Friday in the sensitive Litan sector of Ukhrul district. Security personnel were escorting stranded trucks carrying Food Corporation of India (FCI) stocks and LPG supplies when armed attackers opened fire.
The convoy was moving through a mountainous stretch near T.M. Kasom village. Officials said suspected Kuki militants had allegedly occupied strategic positions on nearby hills before launching the assault.
The sudden attack resulted in the death of truck driver Nitish Kumar, 57, a resident of Hooghly district in West Bengal. He was employed by the Food Corporation of India and was part of the convoy transporting essential commodities.
Meanwhile, a police constable attached to Litan Police Station suffered injuries during the exchange of fire. Authorities shifted him for medical treatment.
Multi-Agency Security Team Was Escorting Vehicles
The convoy was under the protection of a joint security team comprising personnel from the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Rapid Action Force (RAF).
Officials stated that the convoy escort operation aimed to ensure the uninterrupted movement of critical supplies through vulnerable stretches of road.
Security agencies have increasingly relied on escorted movement for supply vehicles as several routes in Manipur continue to remain sensitive due to ethnic tensions and militant activities.
The attack underscores the risks faced by truck drivers and transport workers who play a crucial role in maintaining supply chains across the state.
Massive Search Operation Launched
Soon after the ambush, security forces launched intensive search and combing operations across the surrounding areas.
Authorities also initiated area domination exercises to prevent further attacks and locate those involved in the incident.
Police officials said multiple teams have been deployed in the hilly terrain around T.M. Kasom village. Security personnel are conducting extensive surveillance while gathering intelligence inputs.
Officials reiterated that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the attackers at the earliest.
The latest operation forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen security in vulnerable regions and restore confidence among transport operators.
Chief Minister Condemns the Killing
Manipur Chief Minister Khemchand Yumnam strongly condemned the attack and expressed grief over the death of the truck driver.
Following the incident, the Chief Minister met representatives of the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union. Family members of the deceased also attended the meeting.
During the interaction, he conveyed his condolences and assured the family that the government remains committed to safeguarding transport workers.
The Chief Minister emphasized that ensuring the safety and welfare of truck drivers remains a top priority. He also assured transport stakeholders that authorities would continue taking necessary steps to improve security arrangements along critical transport routes.
His remarks come amid growing concerns among transport workers operating in conflict-prone areas.
Security Forces Arrest Alleged RPF/PLA Cadre
In a separate security-related development, Manipur Police reported the arrest of an alleged extortionist associated with the banned Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) and its armed wing, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The arrested individual has been identified as 27-year-old Aheibam Mangalsana Singh, a resident of Wangoi Laiphrakpam Maning Leikai in Imphal West district.
Security personnel apprehended him during an operation in the New Checkon area under Porompat Police Station in Imphal East district.
Police officials alleged that the accused was actively involved in extortion activities. Investigators have initiated further inquiries to determine the extent of his involvement.
The arrest reflects the ongoing efforts of security agencies to dismantle militant-linked criminal networks operating in different parts of the state.
Security Tightened Across Manipur
Authorities have intensified security measures across several districts following the latest attack.
Search operations and area domination exercises continue in fringe and vulnerable locations. Security personnel have also enhanced surveillance at sensitive points to prevent any fresh incidents.
The government confirmed that movement of essential commodities remains unaffected despite the security challenges.
On Friday alone, authorities ensured the safe passage of 622 vehicles carrying essential goods along National Highway-37, one of the state’s critical supply routes.
Additional security convoys have been deployed on vulnerable stretches of the highway to guarantee uninterrupted transportation. Officials also set up 113 checkpoints and naka points across hill and valley districts. These checkpoints help monitor movement, strengthen vigilance, and curb unlawful activities.
Continuing Security Challenges
The latest attack serves as a reminder of the security challenges that continue to affect parts of Manipur.
Transport workers remain among the most vulnerable groups as they carry essential supplies through sensitive regions. At the same time, security forces continue to balance law enforcement duties with efforts to ensure uninterrupted delivery of food, fuel, and other necessities.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining secure transportation corridors while pursuing those responsible for acts of violence.
As investigations continue, the state government and security agencies face mounting pressure to enhance protection for transport workers and ensure that critical supply chains remain operational across Manipur.
People Also Ask
What happened in Ukhrul district of Manipur?
A truck driver was killed and a police constable was injured when suspected militants attacked a security-escorted convoy carrying essential supplies near T.M. Kasom village in Ukhrul district.
Who was the truck driver killed in the attack?
The deceased was Nitish Kumar, a 57-year-old Food Corporation of India truck driver from Hooghly district in West Bengal.
What steps have authorities taken after the attack?
Security forces launched search operations, intensified area domination exercises, increased convoy protection, and strengthened security across vulnerable districts in Manipur.