Unidentified Attackers Burn 35 Postal Bags in Manipur's Ukhrul District

Shillong, India Jul 28, 2026 ALN: In a shocking incident, at least 35 postal bags containing ATM cards, passports, and other important documents were destroyed after a vehicle transporting mail for the Department of Posts was allegedly torched by unidentified attackers in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, officials said on Tuesday.

Ukhrul Sub-Post Office Postmaster Wungreipam Rimai reported that unidentified miscreants set ablaze the postal vehicle on Monday on the Yaingangpokpi-Litan Road, destroying several postal consignments. In a video message, Rimai stated that of the 35 postal bags destroyed, 30 were meant for Ukhrul, four for Somdal, and one for Kamjong.

“The Department of Posts is assessing the extent of the damage and taking necessary steps to restore services and assist the affected customers,” he said. The postmaster added that the matter has been reported to security and law enforcement agencies, which have been requested to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate legal action against those responsible.

The incident occurred on Monday when a mob enforcing a blockade on the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) in Ukhrul district intercepted a convoy of trucks and other vehicles near Shangkai Kuki village and allegedly damaged and destroyed several goods being transported from Imphal to the district headquarters.

The National Highway-2 is a crucial road link connecting Mokokchung in Nagaland with Imphal in Manipur. This route is vital not only for the transportation of goods but also for the movement of people between these two northeastern states. The disruption of this highway due to blockades and violence has significant implications for trade, travel, and the overall economy of the region.

According to police, an FIR has been registered under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). As per the FIR, the complainant stated that he had joined a convoy escort team on July 27 to transport postal and courier consignments from Yaingangpokpi to the Post Office in Ukhrul.

However, upon reaching Shangkai village, all vehicles in the convoy were stopped and checked by Kuki volunteers. The complainant alleged that some individuals carrying concealed firearms approached him, forcibly boarded the postal vehicle, and compelled him at gunpoint to drive further ahead.

“During this time, some security personnel inquired about our destination. The armed individuals threatened me by pressing a gun against my thigh and instructed me to remain silent. As such, I could not respond. They informed the security personnel that they were only going to offload courier items,” the complainant stated in the FIR. This account raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in the area and the safety of civilians and transport personnel.

Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), one of the apex organisations of the Tangkhul Naga tribe community, alleged in a statement that commercial and private vehicles travelling along NH-2 under security escort were forcibly stopped on Monday and their belongings confiscated at Shangkai Kuki village and Mahadev Hill by Kuki villagers allegedly acting in collusion with militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.

The SoO agreement, which was intended to bring peace and reduce violence in the region, has faced significant challenges, and incidents like these highlight the fragility of the situation. The TNL's allegations point to a breakdown of trust between different community groups and raise questions about the role of security forces in maintaining order during such incidents.

The organisation further alleged that these activities were carried out in the presence of security personnel deployed on Reconnaissance and Observation Post (ROP) duty. According to the TNL, more than 40 commercial and private vehicles were intercepted at the two locations by Kuki groups allegedly enforcing an illegal “Counter Economic Blockade” called by the self-styled Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul, with effect from the midnight of July 26.

“The belongings of the passengers, including valuable documents, cash, clothes, and groceries, were forcibly looted and burnt, while the looters took away several other items,” the TNL statement alleged. The incident has further heightened tensions in the hill district, with the destruction of postal consignments, including passports and ATM cards, disrupting essential public services and affecting a large number of residents awaiting delivery of important documents and communications.

This incident is indicative of the larger socio-political issues that have plagued Manipur and its surrounding regions for decades. The state has a complex history marked by ethnic tensions, insurgency, and demands for autonomy by various groups. The ongoing disputes often manifest in violence and blockades, affecting the daily lives of ordinary citizens.

In recent years, the situation in Manipur has been exacerbated by the rise of various ethnic groups asserting their rights and identities, often leading to confrontations. The Kuki and Naga communities, in particular, have had a long-standing rivalry, and incidents like the one reported serve to deepen divisions and create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust.

The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate loss of postal items. The destruction of critical documents such as ATM cards and passports can have long-term effects on individuals who rely on these services for their daily needs. Moreover, the inability of the postal service to operate effectively can hinder communication and access to essential services, further isolating communities in the region.

As the Department of Posts works to assess the damage and restore services, the need for improved security measures and community dialogue becomes increasingly evident. Engaging with local leaders and fostering a sense of cooperation among different ethnic groups will be essential in addressing the root causes of such violence and preventing future incidents.

In conclusion, the burning of postal bags in Ukhrul district is not just an isolated event but a reflection of the broader challenges facing Manipur. It underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to promote peace, security, and mutual respect among the diverse communities that inhabit this region. The situation remains fluid, and the response from law enforcement and community organizations will be critical in shaping the future of inter-ethnic relations in Manipur.