Truck Drivers Halt Services in Manipur Following Colleague's Tragic Death

Truck drivers in Manipur have halted their services along National Highway-37 following the tragic death of a colleague, Nitish Kumar, who was killed in an ambush by suspected militants. The drivers are demanding better security measures on conflict-prone routes. In a meeting with the Chief Minister, they expressed their concerns and received assurances regarding their safety. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by transport operators in the region. Read on to learn more about the protest and the government's response.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 31, 2026, 09:42 IST

Protest by Truck Drivers in Manipur

Manipur CM Met representatives of the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union

IMPHAL, May 31: In response to the tragic death of a fellow driver, truck operators have ceased transportation services along National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam Road) as of Saturday. This action follows the fatal ambush of Nitish Kumar, a driver from West Bengal, who was shot by suspected Kuki militants while transporting essential goods between Leingangching and TM Kasom under the jurisdiction of Litan Police Station at around 11 am on Friday.

As a result of the protest, numerous trucks, including those carrying LPG, oil, and other goods, have become stranded at Keithelmanbi, located 20 kilometers from Imphal. The drivers expressed their concerns regarding the safety of transport personnel navigating through areas affected by conflict and have called for improved security measures along the state's highways.

In a related development, representatives from the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union met with Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh at his office. The Chief Minister shared images from the meeting on X, stating, “I met with the representatives of the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union, led by General Secretary Shri Maimom Anil Meetei, along with the family of the driver who lost his life in the tragic incident at TM Kasom, Ukhrul. I extended my deepest condolences to the grieving family and assured them that the safety and welfare of truck drivers and transport workers is a top priority for the Government.”