Imphal, July 28: Armed men on Monday intercepted a postal convoy and torched 36 bags of mail containing passports, ATM cards, letters and other postal articles, disrupting postal services in Manipur’s Ukhrul district.

Ukhrul Sub-Post Office Postmaster Wungreipam Rimai said the convoy, travelling from Yaingangpokpi to Ukhrul along National Highway-202, was targeted at Shangkai village. The consignment was meant for the post offices at Ukhrul, Somdal and Kamjong.

According to the complaint, the postal vehicle was travelling under a security escort when the convoy was stopped at Shangkai village and all vehicles were checked by Kuki volunteers. Minutes later, a group of unidentified armed men carrying concealed weapons allegedly approached the postal vehicle, forced their way inside and threatened the driver at gunpoint before setting all the postal consignments on fire.

Officials said 35 of the bags contained passports, ATM cards and letters, while the remaining bag also carried postal articles. The Department of Posts is assessing the extent of the damage and has initiated measures to restore postal services in the affected areas.

An FIR has been registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act, including charges of obstructing a public servant from discharging official duties, unlawful assembly, criminal intimidation, mischief by fire causing damage to property, and unauthorised possession of arms. An investigation is underway.