Postal convoy attacked in Ukhrul; 36 postal bags set on fire, including items like passports and ATM cards

Armed miscreants intercepted a postal convoy in Manipur’s Ukhrul district and set ablaze 36 bags of postal consignments, officials said. The incident happened on National Highway-202 at Shangkai village on Monday, as the convoy was being transported to Ukhrul district.

According to Ukhrul Sub-Postmaster Wungreipam Rimai, the convoy carrying postal and courier items was forcibly stopped at Shangkai village. The Department of Posts has started assessing the damage and is taking steps to restore services, he said.

What was destroyed and where the bags were meant to go

Rimai said the destruction involved 30 postal bags meant for Ukhrul, four bags destined for Somdal, and one bag each for Kamjong. He added that the burnt consignments included items such as passports and ATM cards, as well as mail.

In a separate complaint lodged at Litan Police Station, Nazir Hussain, who was part of the escort team accompanying the convoy from Yaingangpokpi, alleged that the convoy was intercepted by armed men after reaching Shangkai village. His complaint states that the men boarded the postal vehicle around 10 am and forced the driver to continue at gunpoint.

Police investigation begins; no arrests reported

Hussain alleged that when security personnel questioned the armed men about their destination, he was threatened with a gun pointed near his thigh and told to stay silent. He said the vehicle was taken to an open ground in Shangkai village, where 36 postal bags were unloaded and set on fire.

He also claimed that the armed men attempted to burn the postal vehicle, but the effort was stopped after village elders intervened. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, and at the time of filing the report, no arrests had been reported.