Postal Services Suspended in Manipur After Mail Van Hijacked and Torched

Imphal: Postal services across Manipur’s Ukhrul district ground to a halt this week. Unidentified miscreants intercepted a mail van on National Highway-202 and set 37 bags of mail on fire. The attack occurred Monday near Shangkai Kuki village on the Yaingangpokpi to Litan Road.

Ukhrul Postmaster Wungreipam Rimai confirmed the destruction. The lost cargo included passports, ATM cards, educational certificates, food, clothing, and personal parcels. The Ukhrul Post Office took the biggest hit with 32 bags destroyed, including 23 parcels, two speed post bags, three ordinary mail bags, and two registered letters. The Somdal Post Office lost four bags, and the Kamjong Post Office lost one. Litan Police Station has opened an FIR into the incident.

The Working Committee of the Kuki Civil Society Organisations, currently enforcing an indefinite economic blockade in the area, admitted to stopping the vehicle. They claimed the truck carried groceries alongside postal goods but did not address the burning of the mail. Postal authorities are now weighing the damage while operations remain suspended until further notice.

The highway serves as a vital connection between Mokokchung, Nagaland, and Imphal. As the investigation continues, officials are searching for answers. "Postal operations across Ukhrul district have been suspended until further orders from higher authorities," the postmaster said.