Suspected militants blow up bridge, torch vehicle in Manipur; villages cut off
A Bailey bridge connecting several villages in Manipur's Kamjong district to the district headquarters was blown up in a suspected militant attack on Wednesday morning
A Bailey bridge connecting several villages in Manipur's Kamjong district to the district headquarters was blown up in a suspected militant attack on Wednesday morning, with police suspecting the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The attackers also torched a telecom department vehicle parked nearby before fleeing, officials said. The incident took place at around 9.30 am between Phange and Chatric villages over the Namban Lok River. According to police, the bridge had been constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and served as the only road link connecting Chatric and neighbouring villages with the Kamjong district headquarters.
Read Full Story The explosion completely destroyed the Bailey bridge, severing road connectivity to the affected villages and disrupting the movement of residents and essential services. Police suspect the attackers planted IEDs beneath the structure before triggering the blast. Officials said the assailants also set fire to a Bolero pick-up vehicle belonging to the Telecom Department that was parked on the bank of the Namban Lok River. The vehicle was completely gutted in the blaze.
According to the police, the attack appears to have been aimed at damaging public infrastructure, disrupting transportation and communication networks, restricting public movement and creating fear among local residents. Authorities described the incident as a serious threat to public safety and state security. A suo motu case has been registered at the CSD Police Station under relevant provisions of law, and an investigation is underway to identify those behind the attack. No militant outfit has claimed responsibility so far.
The latest attack comes amid heightened tensions in Kamjong district, which borders Myanmar and has witnessed a series of violent incidents in recent weeks, including arson attacks on villages amid inter-community tensions. Security forces have stepped up surveillance in the region following Wednesday's incident. Ends
The BriefWire