Imphal: Armed miscreants intercepted a postal convoy and set ablaze 36 bags of postal consignments, including passports, ATM cards and mail, along National Highway-202 in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Monday, officials said.
According to Ukhrul Sub-Postmaster Wungreipam Rimai, the convoy transporting postal and courier consignments to Ukhrul district was forcibly stopped at Shangkai village by armed men.
“The incident has been reported to the concerned civil and law enforcement agencies for investigation and necessary action. The Department of Posts is assessing the extent of the damage and taking steps to restore services,” Rimai said.
He added that 30 postal bags meant for Ukhrul, four bags destined for Somdal and one bag for Kamjong were destroyed in the incident.
Meanwhile, a complaint has been lodged at Litan Police Station by Nazir Hussain, who was part of the escort team accompanying the convoy from Yaingangpokpi.
According to the complaint, the convoy was intercepted by alleged Kuki volunteers shortly after reaching Shangkai village, located near Litan Police Station. Around 10 am, three armed men reportedly boarded the postal vehicle and forced the driver to continue at gunpoint.
Hussain alleged that when security personnel questioned the armed men about their destination, he was threatened with a gun pointed at his thigh and warned to remain silent.
The complaint further stated that the vehicle was taken to an open ground in Shangkai village, where 36 postal bags were unloaded and set on fire.
Hussain also alleged that the armed men attempted to burn the postal vehicle, but the attempt was prevented following the intervention of village elders.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident. No arrests had been reported at the time of filing this report.
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