West Bengal Truck Driver Ambushed and Killed While Transporting Rice to Ukhrul in Manipur

On May 29, 2026, an ambush on an escorted goods vehicle in Manipur’s Ukhrul district resulted in the death of truck driver Nitish Das from West Bengal and injuries to a police constable. The incident occurred on National Highway 202 amid escalating tensions between Kuki and Naga communities, with the attackers targeting a convoy previously obstructed by local protestors near Shangkai. Although no group has claimed responsibility, local authorities are heightened in response to the incident, connecting it to ongoing conflicts in the region.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the ambush, labeling it a cowardly act intended to undermine government efforts towards peace. His statements highlighted the critical role of drivers in maintaining essential supplies and called for a search operation to apprehend those responsible. The attack intensified existing grievances in the area, which have escalated since February due to conflict between the Kukis and Nagas, leading to violence and unrest.

The response to the ambush has drawn criticism from both Kuki and Naga groups. The Kuki CSO Working Committee defended their protests, citing excessive force employed by security personnel against civilians. Conversely, the Tangkhul Naga Long organization attributed the attack to Kuki “narco-terrorists,” expressing outrage over the government’s inaction. Both sides are urging decisive measures to restore order along the highway and address underlying issues that have fueled the violence.