Armed militants reportedly attacked an oil tanker and an LPG tanker today along National Highway 37 at Kaimai near Tolen Kuki village in Tousem Sub Division of Tamenglong District, Manipur on April 16.
One Meitei driver sustained bullet injury on the right foot when the suspected Kuki militants fired several bullets at around 10:30am. The attack resulted in significant damage, with at least three tankers bearing the brunt of the assault. Petrol and diesel were seen flowing on the road.
In response to the alarming situation, security forces swiftly mobilized to the scene to restore order and ensure the safety of those affected.
Following the attack, there has been a noticeable increase in the purchase of petrol and diesel at petrol stations in the valley districts of Manipur. Petrol pumps have witnessed long queues of vehicles, predominantly four-wheelers, stretching over 100 meters.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh chaired meeting with transporters, dealers, distributors, secretaries/presidents of dealer unions and executive members of all OMCs.
The Manipur government has been bringing goods-laden vehicles and oil tankers via the “safer” but little used NH-37 for the past 10 months after ethnic violence erupted from May 3 in 2023.