Truck driver abducted along NH-37; search operations continue as protests erupt

A truck driver transporting essential goods from Jiribam to Imphal was abducted by unidentified armed men near New Kaiphundai in Tamenglong district along National Highway-37, triggering panic and condemnation across the state. The incident occurred despite the presence of a CRPF escort assigned to protect the vehicle convoy.
According to police sources, the driver was forcibly taken away by suspected militants while the truck was en route to Imphal. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the driver due to ongoing security concerns. The abduction has raised serious questions about the safety of transport personnel and the effectiveness of existing security arrangements on the route.
Following the incident, Manipur Police, along with central security forces, launched intensive search operations in the surrounding areas for the second consecutive day on Thursday. Security forces have also stepped up area domination exercises in both hill and valley regions deemed vulnerable.
The abduction has drawn strong reactions from local civil society groups. Several Rongmei community organisations—including the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur, Rongmei Naga Luh Phuam, Rongmei Naga Youth Organisation, and Rongmei Naga Students’ Union Manipur—along with VACC members, village chairmen, youth clubs, and church leaders, staged protest demonstrations demanding the immediate release of the abducted driver.
Protesters carried placards reading “Stop Kidnapping,” “We Want Peace,” and “Release the Kidnapped Person,” and warned that such incidents could undermine regional harmony.
The Kaiphundai Village Authority, Kaiphundai Luh Phwam, Youth Club, and Students Union jointly condemned the act, calling it an attack on the state’s supply chain and public safety. They urged law enforcement agencies to arrest the culprits and secure the driver’s release.
Meanwhile, police reported that 123 trucks were safely escorted along NH-37 and 110 checkpoints have been activated across districts. No arrests have been made so far.