Ukhrul, May 29 | EKHON: Suspected armed Kuki narco-terrorists allegedly launched a fresh attack on vehicles transporting essential commodities along National Highway-202 near TM Kasom under Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district on Thursday, leaving one truck driver dead and Manipur Police personnel injured.
According to local sources, the firing reportedly began around 11:00 AM in between Mongkot Chetpu and Yaolen and continued intermittently till nearly 1:00 PM. Armed Kuki militants under Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement allegedly opened fire towards TM Kasom village while local residents were preparing for the funeral service of an elderly villager who had died due to kidney-related illness.
The deceased civilian has been identified as an FCI truck driver from West Bengal, who was reportedly travelling from TM Kasom towards Ukhrul when he came under gunfire. Sources said the driver died on the spot after sustaining bullet injuries near the armpit area.
During the exchange of fire, Manipur Police personnel under Litan Police Station was also injured after reportedly being hit by a bullet on his knee. He has been identified as Disingam Maringmei, 34, a resident of Sangaiprou Kabui, Imphal West. He was later evacuated for medical treatment.
In the aftermath, security forces, including Army, BSF, and Manipur Police personnel, launched counter-operations in the area and retaliated against the attackers during the prolonged exchange of fire.
The incident has led local residents to question the response of security forces stationed nearby. Villagers alleged that Army personnel stationed at S Laho and Assam Rifles personnel deployed at New Haven, both located close to the firing zone along NH-202, failed to intervene immediately despite the incident occurring between the two security locations.
