Imphal: Hundreds of truck and tanker drivers in Manipur have launched an indefinite strike to protest the recent killing of a colleague. The protest began in Imphal West district at Keithelmanbi, where roughly 400 transport workers parked their vehicles to demand improved safety measures and justice for the victim.
The unrest follows the death of 57-year-old Nitish Kumar, a driver from West Bengal. He was fatally shot on May 29 while driving an FCI supply truck as part of a security-escorted convoy along the Imphal-Ukhrul Road. The ambush also injured a police officer named Disingam Maringmei, highlighting the severe security risks faced by those transporting essential goods through the state.
Protesting drivers have declared they will not return to work until the government guarantees their safety and holds those responsible for the attack accountable. Their demands include the restoration of National Highway-102 and increased security presence on all major transit routes. Drivers expressed frustration over ongoing extortion and violence, stating they are no longer willing to risk their lives to maintain supply chains.
The suspension of services threatens to trigger shortages of fuel, cooking gas, and food items across Manipur. Transporters noted that many drivers have been stranded for over ten days, and warned that a prolonged deadlock will likely cause consumer prices to spike as supplies dwindle.
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