IMPHAL : A truck driver was killed when suspected militants fired at a convoy of vehicles in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday, police said.

“A joint team of security forces, including BSF, CRPF and police were escorting some 15 to 20 commercial trucks towards Ukhrul district when they came under attack near TM Kasom from suspected militants, killing a truck driver at the spot”, an officer said.

Security forces also fired back, leading to a brief exchange of fire.

The identity of the deceased is yet to be determined, the officer said.

The incident happened some 6 km from Shangkai village, where protesters blocked roads, forcing security forces to fire several tear gas shells to disperse the agitators on Friday morning.

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Wednesday had met representatives of the Manipur Truck Owners’ Welfare Association, to discuss the law and order situation on the National Highways and the movement of goods transport.

The CM had said that “The government is committed to ensuring the safe and smooth movement of transport vehicles and keeping the National Highways free from all hindrances.

Two civilians, including a retired Army soldier, were shot dead by suspected militants on April 18 last in an ambush near TM Kasom village. (Source: PTI)