Imphal: Unidentified armed miscreants on Monday set ablaze a truck transporting construction materials from Dimapur in Nagaland to Imphal on National Highway 102 in Manipur’s Senapati district. Three persons travelling in the vehicle were reportedly abducted, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. between Kabinam and Lairouching villages. According to reports, two masked men armed with sophisticated weapons intercepted the vehicle carrying Thermo-Mechanically Treated (TMT) materials, including iron rods and plastic barrels. The assailants allegedly whisked away the occupants before setting the vehicle, bearing registration number NL07AA 2863, on fire.
The All Naga Traders Association Manipur (ANTAM) issued a statement noting that the truck belongs to the General Secretary of the North East Federation of Trade Unions (NEFTU).
The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from several civil society organisations, including the Maram Students’ Union (MSU), ANTAM, and NEFTU. In a joint statement, the groups described the attack as a “direct challenge to the collective security, dignity, and harmony of the region.”
The organisations have urged the state authorities to ensure the safe release of the abductees and the immediate arrest of those responsible. A 48-hour ultimatum has been issued for the perpetrators to surrender before the competent authorities.
The groups warned that they would be compelled to initiate “democratic forms of agitation” if prompt and decisive action is not taken by the police and district administration.