Imphal, Manipur, April 16 (HBTV): Four trucks were damaged when suspected Kuki militants opened fire on them on Tuesday morning in between Shanti Khunou and Kaimai under Tamenglong district along National Highway 37, Imphal Jiribam Highway, in Manipur.                  

The exact location of the incident is nearly 160 kilometers from Imphal and nearly 60 kilometers from Jiribam towards Imphal.  

According to preliminary reports from the police, the incident occurred at about 10:30 AM when suspected Kuki militants fired at a convoy of goods-laden trucks and oil tankers. Two diesel trucks, one petrol truck, and an LPG gas tanker were hit when militants open indiscriminate fire at the trucks on their way to Imphal from Jiribam.                        

Petrol and diesel were seen flowing on the road. An oil tanker driver identified as one Tularam Magar from Irang Part-II sustained a bullet injury on the right feet. He is now out of danger after receiving treatment at Nungba Hospital.  

The Manipur government has been bringing goods-laden vehicles and oil tankers via the “safer” but little used NH-37 for the past 10 months after ethnic violence erupted from May 3 in 2023.

Following the attack, security measures in the area have been intensified. An investigation has been launched by the authorities to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the attack.   

In the wake of the ambush, panic buying of petrol and diesel was observed at petrol pumps in the valley districts of Manipur. This surge in demand is due to fears of a possible cease-work strike by transporters. Long queues of vehicles, primarily four-wheelers, have been seen at petrol pumps, with lines extending to more than 100 meters.      

However, despite these concerns, there has been no official confirmation of the transporters calling for a cease-work strike at press time.