Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, July 28:
In a major blow to essential public services, 37 government postal mail bags containing passports, ATM cards, educational certificates, medicines, parcels and other vital consignments were allegedly looted and set ablaze by suspected supporters of the ongoing counter economic blockade at Shangkai Kuki village along National Highway-202 on Monday, raising serious questions over the government’s ability to secure one of Manipur’s key lifelines despite heavy security deployment.
According to the Postmaster, Ukhrul, the government mail van carrying postal consignments destined for Ukhrul, Somdal and Kamjong post offices was intercepted on its way to Ukhrul. The assailants allegedly seized all mail bags from the vehicle before setting them on fire.
The Ukhrul Head Post Office lost 32 mail bags, including 23 parcel bags, two Speed Post bags, three ordinary mail bags and two registered letter bags. Somdal Post Office lost four mail bags—one parcel bag, two Speed Post bags and one ordinary mail bag—while one mail bag belonging to Kamjong Post Office was also destroyed. In all, 37 government mail bags were reduced to ashes at Shangkai Kuki village, located between Mahadev and Litan, about 25 minutes from Ukhrul headquarters.
Postal officials said the destroyed consignments contained passports, ATM cards, educational and official documents, medicines, personal parcels, clothing and other essential household items, leaving hundreds of residents uncertain about the fate of irreplaceable documents and urgently needed deliveries.
The Ukhrul Post Office has lodged an FIR with Litan Police Station, seeking a thorough investigation into the incident. Following the attack, postal authorities announced the indefinite suspension of mail services across Ukhrul district until further orders, effectively cutting off one of the region’s most important public communication and delivery networks.
The incident has intensified public concern over the security situation along the vulnerable Mahadev-Litan stretch of NH-202, a corridor that has witnessed repeated incidents of violence in recent years. The latest attack has drawn particular criticism because it reportedly occurred despite the presence of security forces deployed along the highway and the movement of security convoys.
Passengers travelling on the route alleged that the mail van was intercepted in full view of the prevailing security arrangements, prompting widespread criticism over what many described as a serious lapse in protecting essential government services. The destruction of official postal consignments has reignited questions about the effectiveness of highway security and whether authorities are able to guarantee the safe movement of critical public infrastructure.
A local youth leader expressed deep frustration over the incident, warning that public confidence in the administration was rapidly eroding. He urged the government and security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible without delay, stating that failure to act decisively would only embolden lawbreakers and further undermine public trust.
The burning of government mail bags has not only paralysed postal services but also disrupted the lives of countless citizens awaiting critical documents and essential supplies. As investigations begin, residents are demanding accountability and stronger security measures to ensure that National Highway-202 remains safe for civilians and uninterrupted government services.
