Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: A 130-foot Bailey Bridge over the Namban River in Manipur’s Kamjong district collapsed following a massive explosion between July 21 and July 22. The blast destroyed the midpoint of the structure, severing the primary transit route connecting Kamjong District Headquarters with Sahamphung Sub-Divisional Headquarters. The infrastructure, built in 2016 under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, served as a vital lifeline for thousands of residents.
The destruction impacts over 10 villages within the Sahamphung Block, an area containing more than 21 villages. Local travel had already reached a breaking point due to restricted movement on National Highway 202. Now, residents lack basic access to hospitals, schools, and markets.
Two prominent Naga civil society organizations, Khanuithot-Khon and the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long, condemned the attack. They labeled the blast a targeted strike against civilian infrastructure. Khanuithot-Khon alleged the bridge was blown up by "Kuki narco-terrorists" with assistance from Assam Rifles personnel at approximately 10:30 p.m. on July 21.
The Tangkhul Naga Long alleged that the Kuki National Army-Burma and the People’s Defence Force collaborated in the strike. They claimed attackers staged from villages including Kultuh, Phaikoh, and Molnoi. During the assault, the culprits set fire to a Telecom Department Bolero vehicle abandoned near the site. The TNL reports these groups have recently escalated abductions, arson, and killings in the border region.
Police have registered a suo motu case and started a manhunt for the suspects. Naga bodies are demanding a judicial inquiry and immediate restoration of the bridge. They insist authorities must file criminal charges against everyone involved, including any security forces found to be complicit.
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