A truck driver was reportedly shot dead amid escalating tensions along NH202 in TM Kasong area in Ukhrul district, Manipur in alleged firing by Kuki militants hours after security crackdown to open blocked highway in Shangkai Kuki village.
Imphal, May 29: Fresh violence and heightened tensions were reported along National Highway-202 on Friday after security forces moved to reopen the Imphal–Ukhrul route amid prolonged blockades and escalating confrontations in the hill areas of Manipur.
The developments unfolded in multiple phases during the day, beginning with a security operation near Shangkai Kuki village along the Imphal–Ukhrul road, where forces attempted to clear the highway for stranded goods vehicles heading towards Ukhrul district.
According to reports from the area, security personnel launched efforts around 10 am to restore vehicular movement along the highway, which has remained obstructed for an extended period amid ongoing ethnic tensions and intermittent confrontations.
Officials and local sources said the operation focused on ensuring safe passage for essential supply vehicles stranded along the route. Security deployment was intensified along vulnerable stretches of NH-202 as authorities attempted to reopen the strategic road corridor.
The situation near Shangkai Kuki village along NH-202 (Imphal–Ukhrul Road) remains tense, as security forces attempt to clear the route for stranded goods vehicles bound for Ukhrul. The road has been blocked by Kuki groups for an extended period. pic.twitter.com/lvAMFbIpvD
— Thar C-6 R- (@Begreatful_00) May 29, 2026
However, the situation soon turned tense after reports and visuals emerged showing injuries among local villagers, including women, during the operation. The incident triggered fresh allegations regarding the use of force against civilians.
No official casualty figures were immediately released by authorities regarding the Shangkai incident.
The atmosphere further deteriorated later in the day after villagers from TM Kasom (Roudei) alleged that armed Kuki militants from nearby Patleijang opened fire near a funeral gathering around noon.
According to local accounts, residents had gathered to perform the last rites of an elderly villager who reportedly died from a kidney-related illness when gunfire erupted near the cemetery area.
?? UPDATE | Litan & TM Kasom Areas, Ukhrul District, Manipur
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?? Heavy firing targeting civilians by Kuki militants is reportedly continuing in Litan and surrounding areas.
? According to local sources, the firing began from the hilltops of Litan Bazar and TM Kasom and has been… pic.twitter.com/ZGJ2E4XeJ7
Villagers claimed panic spread among mourners as firing was heard from nearby hill positions. Independent verification of the allegations was not immediately possible, and no official statement had been issued by security agencies at the time of filing this report.
A truck driver transporting essential commodities was reportedly shot dead between TM Kasom and New Heaven along NH-202. Sources said the vehicle was part of the supply movement attempting to reach interior areas under security escort. The deceased driver has been identified as Nitish Kumar (57), son of Bidas Kumar from Hooghly district of West Bengal. A security personnel identified as Disingam Maringmei (35), son of Meikhenthing from Sangaiprou Kabui village under Litan Police Station, also sustained injuries in the ambush.
Truck driver reportedly shot dead amid fresh violence along NH-202 in TM Kasom area in #Manipur as security forces attempted to reopen the Imphal–#Ukhrul road. Villagers alleged firing during a funeral service in which the driver was hit. Situation tense. Developing story. pic.twitter.com/NcqlBkDg4P
— NE Dispatch (@NEDispatch) May 29, 2026
Authorities have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the reported killing.
The latest incidents have intensified concerns surrounding the reopening of NH-202, which remains one of the critical supply routes connecting Imphal with Ukhrul district and adjoining hill regions.
Local accounts from the ground alleged that groups opposing the reopening of the highway obstructed the movement of security-protected vehicles and that armed attacks targeted transporters and civilians travelling along the route.
The allegations could not be independently verified, and no official response had been issued regarding the claims at the time of publication.
The Manipur government had earlier assured transporters and drivers that security escorts would be provided to ensure safe movement of essential goods along vulnerable highways.
Friday’s incidents are likely to further complicate efforts to restore normal transportation and civilian movement in the region.
The situation along NH-202 remained volatile till late evening, with additional security reinforcements reportedly deployed in sensitive stretches. Authorities are yet to provide a consolidated statement on the sequence of incidents, casualties, or the security response.
Strategic Importance of NH-202
National Highway-202 serves as a crucial lifeline connecting Imphal with Ukhrul and several eastern hill districts of Manipur. Any prolonged disruption along the route affects the transportation of fuel, food supplies, medicines, construction materials, and civilian movement.
Over the past several months, sections of the highway have witnessed repeated tensions, road blockades, armed confrontations, and security operations amid the wider ethnic conflict in the state.
The latest violence may increase concerns among transport operators and essential commodity suppliers already facing risks while travelling through vulnerable hill corridors.
Questions Over Civilian Safety
The emergence of visuals showing injured villagers, including women, during the security operation near Shangkai has also drawn attention to the humanitarian dimension of the ongoing crisis.
Rights observers and civil society groups are expected to seek clarity regarding operational procedures, proportional use of force, and protection of civilians during highway clearance operations.
At the same time, the reported killing of a truck driver has renewed fears among transport workers who continue to move essential supplies through conflict-prone areas despite repeated threats and attacks.
As of now, no comprehensive official briefing had been issued on the day’s incidents.
This is a developing story and further details are awaited.
