The killing of a truck driver in a militant ambush on a security-escorted convoy has triggered a major transportation crisis in Manipur, with hundreds of truck and tanker drivers suspending operations and declaring that they will not return to the steering wheel until justice is delivered and their safety is guaranteed.
The protest, which gathered momentum today at Keithelmanbi in Imphal West district, saw hundreds of transport workers expressing outrage over the death of 57-year-old Nitish Kumar of Hooghly, West Bengal, who was shot dead during an armed attack near TM Kasom along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road on May 29. Kumar was driving a truck carrying Food Corporation of India (FCI) supplies when suspected militants ambushed a convoy of vehicles transporting essential commodities under security escort.
The attack, which also left police personnel Disingam Maringmei injured, has sent shockwaves through the transport community and renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation on Manipur’s highways. Drivers described the incident as a grim reminder of the risks they face daily while ensuring the supply of food, fuel and other essential commodities to the state.
Gathering under a united banner of protest, truckers announced a complete suspension of transportation services, warning that they would not resume operations until those responsible for the killing are brought to justice and effective security arrangements are put in place. Around 400 vehicles, including LPG bullet tankers, oil tankers and goods carriers, remained parked at Keithelmanbi as part of the agitation.
“We are not willing to risk our lives any longer. If the government cannot guarantee our safety, it must take responsibility for the consequences,” a protesting driver said, echoing the sentiments of many transport workers present at the site.
The drivers also demanded the full restoration of National Highway-102, the crucial Imphal-Dimapur lifeline, and enhanced security coverage along vulnerable stretches of all major highways. They argued that despite repeated incidents of violence and extortion, transporters continue to shoulder the burden of maintaining the flow of essential goods into the state.
The suspension of transport services has raised fears of disruptions in the supply chain, particularly of fuel, cooking gas and essential commodities. Many drivers stranded in Manipur for more than ten days warned that if the deadlock continues, consumers could soon face shortages and a sharp rise in prices.
Friday’s attack near Yaolen village along National Highway-202 resulted in a fierce exchange of fire between security forces and the assailants, exposing the persistent security challenges confronting civilian movement in conflict-affected areas. The incident has intensified demands for stronger action against armed groups targeting transport vehicles and civilian workers.
As authorities monitor the situation, transporters have made it clear that their agitation will continue until concrete measures are taken to protect drivers and restore confidence on Manipur’s highways. With hundreds of vehicles off the roads and supply lines under strain, the protest is rapidly emerging as a serious challenge with implications extending far beyond the transport sector, threatening to further burden a state already grappling with prolonged instability and economic hardship.