Manipur Violence: Tear Gas Fired In Ukhrul Highway Protest, Truck Driver Killed In Militant Attack

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Imphal
• May 29, 2026
• 45

Tension escalated sharply in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday after security personnel fired repeated rounds of tear gas shells to break up a massive highway blockade staged by angry protesters along National Highway-202.

The confrontation unfolded near Shangkai village, where local residents had launched an intense agitation over allegations that 14 members of their community were being held captive by Naga groups.

Demonstrators brought traffic to a complete halt on the crucial Imphal–Ukhrul route by placing giant rocks, logs and other barricades across the highway, paralysing vehicular movement for several hours.

Large crowds, including women protesters, occupied the middle of the road and raised slogans demanding the immediate release of the alleged hostages.

Officials said the blockade severely affected the movement of essential commodities, commercial vehicles and security convoys heading towards the Ukhrul district headquarters.

As security forces attempted to clear the road and restore normalcy, clashes erupted between protesters and personnel deployed in the area.

To disperse the agitating crowd, security forces resorted to firing several rounds of tear gas shells, creating panic and chaos across the protest site.

At least five women reportedly suffered minor injuries during the commotion and were later administered first aid by security personnel present at the location.

The unrest comes amid growing ethnic tensions in Manipur following a series of abductions and retaliatory violence involving armed groups operating in the hill districts.

Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body representing Kuki tribes in the state, had earlier announced an indefinite shutdown across all Kuki-dominated areas to protest the alleged detention of 14 Kuki individuals by Naga groups.

According to reports, over 38 people were abducted in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts on May 13, only hours after three church leaders lost their lives in a deadly ambush in Kangpokpi district.

While authorities and community leaders managed to secure the release of 31 hostages — including 12 Naga women and 16 members of the Kuki community — six Naga men are still believed to be in captivity, with no confirmed information available about their whereabouts.

At the same time, Kuki Inpi Manipur claimed that 14 members belonging to the Kuki community also continue to remain under the custody of Naga groups.

In another alarming development on Friday, suspected militants attacked a convoy of commercial vehicles under security escort in Ukhrul district, leaving one truck driver dead.

Police officials said a joint escort team comprising personnel from the BSF, CRPF and Manipur Police was accompanying nearly 20 trucks towards Ukhrul when armed militants opened fire near TM Kasom.

The sudden ambush triggered panic among drivers and security personnel travelling with the convoy.

One truck driver was killed instantly in the firing, while security forces retaliated immediately, leading to a brief but intense exchange of gunfire in the area.

Authorities have not yet officially identified the deceased driver.

Officials stated that the attack site was located nearly six kilometres away from Shangkai village, where protesters had simultaneously blocked the highway earlier in the day.

The back-to-back incidents have further intensified concerns over the fragile law and order situation in Manipur’s hill districts.

Earlier this week, Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh held discussions with representatives of the Manipur Truck Owners’ Welfare Association regarding security concerns on National Highways and the uninterrupted transportation of goods.

The Chief Minister assured transport operators that the state government remains committed to safeguarding highways and ensuring the smooth movement of vehicles despite rising tensions.

Notably, on April 18, suspected militants had carried out another deadly ambush near TM Kasom village, killing two civilians, including a retired Army soldier