35 mail bags caught fire in Manipur when a mob blocked a highway the next day

On Monday (July 27, 2026), miscreants intercepted a postal van on National Highway 202 in Manipur and set ablaze 35 mail bags containing passports, ATM cards, educational documents and other items. It happened in the middle of an ongoing highway blockade by an unknown mob.

The incident occurred in Ukhrul state district between Yaingangpokpi and Litan on Monday (July 27, 2026). This was followed by the alleged looting of 40 commercial and private vehicles on the highway that connects Manipur’s capital Imphal with the towns of Ukhrul and Kamjong.

Wungreipam Rimai, postmaster at Ukhrul post office branch, said the parcels were transported by the Department of Posts. “35 mail bags were destroyed in the incident,” he said.

Thirty sacks were intended for Ukhrul, four for Somdal and one for Kamjong. Somdal is the ancestral village of Thuingaleng Muivah, General Secretary of the Nagalim National Socialist Council.

“We have reported the incident to the concerned civil and law enforcement authorities for investigation and necessary action,” Mr. Rimai said.

Endless blockade

District officials said an unidentified mob launched an “indefinite” blockade on the night of July 26.

Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Naga Long Working Committee (an apex community organization) claimed that Kuki villagers in collaboration with Kuki insurgents under a ceasefire agreement stopped commercial and private vehicles plying on the highway with security escort and seized their belongings at Shangkai Kuki village and Mahadev Hill on 27 July the following day.

“All these illegal activities were brazenly carried out in the presence of security forces deployed on Reconnaissance and Observation Posts (ROP) duty. In the name of enforcing the illegal anti-economic blockade, the Kukis hit more than 40 commercial and private vehicles at two designated locations,” the organization said in a statement.

She further said that belongings, including valuable documents, cash, clothes and food items, were looted and burnt while other belongings were looted.

The organization sought to find out why security forces deployed on escort and ROP duty failed to provide effective security and protection to commuters and their property.

Published – 28 Jul 2026 22:28 IST