Suspected militants detonated an Improvised Explosive Device, destroying a bailey bridge over the Namban River in Manipur’s Kamjong district. The explosion, occurring between Phange and Chatric villages, severely disrupted road access to remote areas. The 130-foot bridge, a key link built in 2016 under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, connected several mountainous villages with the district headquarters.
Police reported that the attack targeted public infrastructure, aiming to disrupt transportation and communication services. A government organization’s Bolero pick-up vehicle parked nearby was also set on fire by the militants. Authorities have initiated an investigation to identify those responsible for the incident, registering a case at Chandel Police Station.
The destruction of the bridge has cut off vital road connectivity between Kamjong district headquarters and Sahamphung Sub-Divisional headquarters. This disruption has caused significant challenges for the local population, impacting the movement of people, essential goods, medical services, and government officials. Tangkhul Naga Long, a prominent organization, strongly condemned the incident, emphasizing the bridge’s crucial role in facilitating daily life in the region.
Police and security forces have launched a search operation to apprehend the perpetrators, while officials are assessing the damage and planning measures to restore connectivity promptly.
