CM condemns 'cowardly ambush'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 29 2026: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned, in the strongest terms, the ambush in Ukhrul's TM Kasom that killed the driver of a goods vehicle and injured a police Constable today.

The deceased, identified as Nitish Kumar - a resident of West Bengal, was driving a truck which was part of a convoy travelling under security escort toward Ukhrul.

The deadly ambush came some time after the same convoy of vehicles was blocked by members of the Kuki community in an attempt to block movement of essential supplies to Ukhrul.

While stones were pelted at the vehicles, the security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the mob and proceeded toward Ukhrul before coming under attack at TM Kasom area.

Expressing condolences on the loss of life, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand said, "Ambushing goods vehicle and taking life of a driver, who plays a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential items across the State is one of the most cowardly acts and intends to further aggravate the tense situation prevailing in the area" .

The ambush seems to have been carried out by vested interest groups with the ill-motives to derail the initiatives of the State Government to restore peace and normalcy in the State, he said.

The Chief Minister also prayed for speedy recovery of the police Constable, who sustained bullet injuries.

Search and cordon operation is being carried out in nearby areas to nab and punish the culprits as per the law of the land, he said.

In a later post on Facebook, the CM wrote, "I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased and pray for eternal peace to the departed soul.

I also wish the injured police Constable a speedy and full recovery.

Such senseless acts of violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The perpetrators will be brought to justice in accordance with the law" .

The Manipur Drivers' Association, in a statement, strongly condemned the ambush.

The driver from Hooghly, West Bengal was carrying rice when the attack took his life, said the association.

Attacking and killing drivers carrying essential items is the same as shooting oneself in the foot, it said.

It will be everyone's loss if drivers stop operating, said the association, cautioning and appealing against such attacks.

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