A truck driver from West Bengal was killed and a policeman sustained injuries in a fresh ambush in Manipur's Ukhrul district, officials reported on Wednesday. The attack occurred late Tuesday evening when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a convoy of vehicles near a remote village in the district.
Details of the Incident
The deceased driver has been identified as Sumir Karmakar, a resident of West Bengal. He was transporting goods to a nearby town when the ambush took place. A policeman escorting the convoy was also hit by bullets and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Imphal. Security forces have launched a search operation to track down the assailants.
Escalating Violence in Manipur
Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence since May 2023, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities. However, recent months have seen a new dimension of conflict involving the Nagas and Kukis, further complicating the security situation. Since February 2026, clashes between Naga and Kuki groups have resulted in several casualties, adding to the state's instability.
Security forces and the state government are grappling with multiple fronts of violence, which has displaced thousands and disrupted normal life. The fresh ambush underscores the persistent law and order challenges in the region.
Official Response
Authorities have condemned the attack and assured that efforts are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice. Additional security personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent further incidents. The injured policeman is reported to be in stable condition.
This incident marks the latest in a series of violent attacks targeting transporters and security personnel in the region, highlighting the volatile security environment in parts of Manipur.
