A major disruption to government postal services and the interception of a security-escorted convoy along National Highway-202 have intensified concerns over law and order in Manipur, after postal consignments and essential goods were allegedly destroyed during an ongoing blockade in Ukhrul district.
According to postal authorities, a government mail van carrying consignments for the Ukhrul, Somdal and Kamjong post offices was intercepted at Shangkai Kuki village while travelling along NH-202. The mail bags were allegedly seized by persons enforcing the counter-economic blockade before being set on fire.
Postal officials said a total of 37 government mail bags were destroyed, including 32 bags meant for the Ukhrul Post Office, four for Somdal and one for Kamjong. The consignments reportedly contained passports, ATM cards, educational certificates, registered letters, speed post articles, parcels, clothing, food items and other essential goods.
Following the incident, the Ukhrul Post Office lodged an FIR at Litan Police Station seeking a detailed investigation. Postal authorities have also suspended mail services across Ukhrul district until further orders, leaving hundreds of residents without access to essential postal deliveries.
The Department of Posts has begun assessing the extent of the damage and is working on measures to restore services in the affected areas.
The postal disruption coincided with another incident on NH-202, where an escorted convoy travelling from Ukhrul to Imphal was intercepted near Shangkai village despite the presence of security personnel. According to sources, passenger buses, private vehicles and trucks carrying goods were stopped, and essential commodities allegedly unloaded during the blockade.
Videos circulating on social media purportedly show goods being removed from vehicles while security personnel remained at the site. However, no official statement has yet been issued by Manipur Police or other security agencies regarding the incident or any action taken against those allegedly involved.
The blockade has been enforced by the Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs)-Ukhrul since July 26, demanding uninterrupted transportation of essential commodities to Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.
The latest incidents have renewed concerns over security along the Mahadev-Litan stretch of NH-202, a route that has witnessed several violent incidents in the past. Local residents and civil society members questioned how government postal consignments and escorted vehicles could be intercepted despite heavy security deployment.
A local youth leader urged the government to take immediate and decisive action, warning that failure to enforce the law could further aggravate tensions. The burning of official postal consignments has also sparked widespread calls for stricter security measures and prompt prosecution of those responsible.
