Manipur: Transporters suspend operations after truck driver killed in ambush, seek enhanced security

Hundreds of truck drivers in Manipur on Saturday, May 30 suspended transportation services along National Highway-37 (Imphal–Jiribam Road) in protest against the killing of a truck driver in an ambush a day earlier and to press for enhanced security on the state's highways.

The protest was triggered by the death of a truck driver from West Bengal, who was killed in an armed attack at TM Kasom along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road on May 29.

As part of the agitation, around 400 trucks, including LPG bullet tankers, oil tankers and goods carriers, remained stranded at Keithelmanbi. The drivers gathered in solidarity with the deceased and voiced concerns over the safety of transport operators moving through conflict-prone routes in the state.

The protesting drivers demanded stronger security arrangements for commercial vehicles and transport workers operating on Manipur's highways. They also called for the complete reopening of National Highway-102 (Imphal–Dimapur Road), a key supply route linking the state with neighbouring regions.

Driver representatives stated that transportation services would remain suspended until adequate security measures are put in place and normal movement along NH-102 is restored.

The suspension of truck services has raised concerns over potential disruptions in the movement of essential commodities, fuel and other supplies into the state if the protest continues for an extended period.

Authorities have not yet announced any immediate measures in response to the drivers' demands, while security agencies continue to monitor the situation.