Correspondent
IMPHAL, JUL 22 (NPN): A bailey bridge in manipur Kamjong district was destroyed late Tuesday night by a powerful bomb suspected to be an IED (improvised explosive device), police and local reports said.
The vital bridge over the Namban Lok River between Phange and Chatric villages under Sahamphung Block was reduced to debris around 10.30 p.m. A Bolero pick‑up vehicle belonging to the telecom department, parked nearby, was also found torched.
Farmers in the vicinity reported hearing a loud explosion and later discovered the destruction. The bridge, constructed under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), served as the only alternate lifeline connecting Ukhrul–Imphal via Chatric village and was crucial for more than 10 villages along the Indo‑Myanmar border.
On receiving information, Kamjong district police rushed to the site and registered a suo motu case at Chasad police station.
Meanwhile, Khanuithot‑Khon (Voice of the Naga Youth), an Ukhrul‑based body, strongly condemned the incident, blaming “Kuki narco‑terrorists” and alleging involvement of Assam Rifles personnel. It demanded a judicial or independent probe, registration of criminal cases against those responsible, and suspension of personnel found directly involved pending investigation.
The body further pressed for immediate restoration of the destroyed bridge to ensure uninterrupted civilian access, warning that any attempt to shield perpetrators or delay justice would erode public trust.
Khanuithot‑Khon noted that for the past five months, people of Ukhrul and Kamjong have faced immense hardship as movement along NH‑202 (Imphal–Ukhrul Road) remained restricted under armed escort, forcing thousands to rely on the Chatric route for healthcare, education, markets, and essential services.
“The destruction of infrastructure essential to civilian life cannot be normalized or justified under any circumstance,” the body asserted, urging decisive action from the Manipur government.