Manipur Tensions Escalate as Tear Gas Fired at NH-202 Protesters in Ukhrul

Violence escalated in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday after a truck driver was killed when suspected militants opened fire on a convoy of commercial vehicles travelling under security escort near TM Kasom, police said.

According to officials, a joint team of security personnel comprising the BSF, CRPF and Manipur Police was escorting around 15 to 20 trucks towards Ukhrul district headquarters when the convoy came under attack. Security forces retaliated, leading to a brief exchange of fire. The identity of the deceased truck driver is yet to be confirmed.

The attack occurred nearly 6 km from Shangkai village, where tensions had already flared earlier in the day after protesters blocked National Highway-202 . Security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse demonstrators enforcing a shutdown over the alleged abduction of 14 Kuki community members by Naga groups.

Protesters had placed heavy stone boulders and tree trunks on the highway, disrupting the movement of essential supplies and security personnel. At least five women sustained minor injuries during the confrontation and received first aid treatment from security forces.

The shutdown was called by Kuki Inpi Manipur , the apex body of Kuki tribes in the state, which alleged that 14 members of the community continue to remain hostage. The latest unrest is linked to incidents on May 13, when over 38 people were allegedly abducted by armed groups following the killing of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district.

Officials said 31 people, including 12 Naga women and 16 Kukis, have since been released, while several individuals remain missing.

The fresh attack has intensified concerns over security along Manipur’s highways. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh had recently met representatives of the Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association and assured them that the government was committed to ensuring the safe movement of goods vehicles and keeping national highways obstruction-free.

The latest killing also revives memories of the April 18 ambush near TM Kasom village in which two civilians, including a retired Army soldier, were shot dead by suspected militants.

The continuing violence underscores how the trust deficit between citizens and security forces continues deepening , with repeated attacks, highway blockades and hostage allegations further eroding public confidence in the administration’s ability to restore normalcy.