Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday assured strict action against those responsible for the deadly ambush on a security-escorted convoy along the Ukhrul road that claimed the life of a truck driver from West Bengal.
The attack took place on May 29 near TM Kasom in Ukhrul district when suspected militants allegedly opened fire on a convoy of stranded Food Corporation of India (FCI) trucks and LPG tankers being escorted by personnel of the Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF and RAF from Yaingangpokpi towards Ukhrul.
An FCI truck driver, identified as Nitish Kumar (57) from Hooghly district in West Bengal, was killed in the attack, while a police personnel attached to Litan Police Station sustained bullet injuries.
Speaking to reporters in Imphal, the chief minister said an FIR had been registered and an investigation was underway.
“An FIR has already been registered and investigation is going on,” Singh said, adding that strict action would be taken against those involved in the ambush.
Addressing a special interaction programme with Scheduled Tribe post-matric scholarship beneficiaries under the “Birsa Lives in New Bharat” Week, the chief minister stressed the importance of peace for the state’s development.
“Without peace, development cannot take place. Students are among those most affected by violence. We need peace through dialogue and must collectively create a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.
The programme, organised by the Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills, Government of Manipur, was attended by Nemcha Kipgen. Students from Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts joined the interaction virtually.
Meanwhile, hundreds of truck drivers suspended transportation services along National Highway-37, also known as the Imphal-Jiribam road, in protest against the attack. Around 400 trucks, including LPG tankers, oil tankers and goods carriers, remained stranded at Keithelmanbi as drivers demanded enhanced security on Manipur’s highways and reopening of National Highway-102 for regular movement.
The drivers said transport services would remain suspended until adequate security arrangements are put in place.
