Truck driver killed in suspected militant attack on convoy in Manipur’s Ukhrul

IMPHAL: A truck driver was killed after suspected militants opened fire on a convoy of vehicles in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday, police said."A joint team of security forces, including BSF, CRPF and police were escorting some 15 to 20 commercial trucks towards Ukhrul district when they came under attack near TM Kasom from suspected militants, killing a truck driver at the spot", an officer said.Security forces also returned fire, resulting in a brief exchange of gunfire.The identity of the deceased has not yet been ascertained, the officer said.The incident occurred around 6 km from Shangkai village, where protesters blocked roads, prompting security forces to fire several tear gas shells to disperse the agitators on Friday morning.Manipur chief minister Y Khemchand Singh on Wednesday met representatives of the Manipur Truck Owners’ Welfare Association to discuss the law-and-order situation on the National Highways and the movement of goods transport.The CM had said that "The government is committed to ensuring the safe and smooth movement of transport vehicles and keeping the National Highways free from all hindrances."Two civilians, including a retired Army personnel, were shot dead by suspected militants on April 18 in an ambush near TM Kasom village.(With agency inputs)