Associations condemn killing of driver, ex-gratia announced
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 29 2026: Even as it strongly condemned the ambush near TM Kasom which killed a driver and injured a police Constable, the Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association (MTOWA) has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the police personnel.

The driver killed in the attack has been identified as Nitish Kumar (57), a resident of Hooghly, West Bengal, and the injured police Constable has been identified as Disingam Maringmei (35) of Sangaiporou Kabui Khul.

Speaking to reporters at a press meet held at its office today, MTOWA president Hijam Ranjit said the association and drivers' fraternity strongly condemn the attack on drivers near TM Kasom, under Litan police station.

He said the association is aggrieved by the loss of life, and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

The essential items the drivers were carrying were for use by all communities.

The ambush was a deliberate and heinous act, and the drivers' and truck owners' communities take it very seriously, Ranjit said.

The ambush today is not the first.

Similar deadly attacks have occurred in the past in the same area, Ranjit said, pointing out lapses in security measures.

Providing some security escort has proved not enough.

Security forces should sanitise the area.

Vehicles under escort must move only when the route is confirmed secure, Ranjit said.

The association is giving Rs 1 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 towards treatment of the injured Constable, he added.

Ranjit also urged the Government to provide assistance to the victims' families.

The association members have met with Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam and he has been urged to provide assistance to the victims' families, he added.

If drivers from outside Manipur stop operating, it would bring immense hardships to the people, he said, urging the Government to take strict measures for safety and security of drivers and vehicles plying the highways.

While asking for more security escorts, Ranjit further informed that steps are being taken up to divert the vehicles stranded along Dimapur-Imphal road to Jiribam-Imphal road.

Meanwhile, the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union (Driver Union) has also strongly condemned the ambush today.

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