Suspected armed militants allegedly opened fire on passenger vehicles and a goods-laden truck travelling along the Imphal-Ukhrul road near TM Kasom village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Wednesday afternoon, triggering panic among commuters. No casualties were reported in the incident.
According to sources, the firing occurred at around 4:45 pm when several passenger vehicles, including a Winger, were travelling from Imphal towards Ukhrul. The convoy had reportedly been escorted by security forces up to Litan before the security personnel withdrew. Shortly thereafter, the vehicles came under attack near TM Kasom village.
Witnesses said the firing continued for nearly 10 minutes, with suspected militants allegedly using sophisticated firearms to target the moving vehicles. Passengers were forced to take cover as bullets struck in the vicinity of the convoy. Despite the intensity of the attack, all occupants reportedly escaped unharmed.
The incident has, however, raised serious concerns among commuters regarding security arrangements along the route. Passengers alleged that security personnel stationed nearby did not respond adequately during the attack or take sufficient measures to protect civilians.
One passenger recounted the experience on social media, stating that multiple rounds were fired at the convoy shortly after the security escort halted at Litan. According to the account, the attack took place in the stretch between Leimangching and TM Kasom village.
The passenger further claimed that the driver of their Winger managed to save those onboard by taking cover in the narrow space between two trucks before accelerating away from the area while the firing was still underway.
Although no injuries were reported, the passenger described the experience as deeply traumatic and said the incident had heightened fears over the safety of civilians travelling on the Imphal-Ukhrul road. The individual also pointed to disruptions in the movement of essential goods and the challenges faced by people who rely on the route for daily commuting and access to supplies.
Questioning the effectiveness of existing security measures, the passenger called for greater accountability and sought assurances from authorities regarding the safety of civilians travelling for work, trade and other essential purposes.
The latest attack has once again brought attention to the fragile security situation along the Imphal-Ukhrul road, particularly around TM Kasom village, an area that has witnessed incidents of violence in the past.
On April 18, 2026, two Tangkhul Naga civilians were killed in an armed ambush along National Highway-202 near TM Kasom village. The reported firing on Wednesday has renewed concerns over the security of civilians and commercial vehicles using the route.
