Imphal: Locals in a remote corner of Manipur opened a 3-crore steel bridge on Friday. The structure spans the Manipur River, linking the Churachandpur and Chandel districts. It serves the Kuki-Zo and Hmar communities. Residents built the crossing at Salkhul village without asking the state for permission.
The bridge connects Walkhu and Singheu villages. It bears a sign that reads, "Khulmi Lei." Locals brought in materials from Myanmar and Mizoram to get the job done. Constructed over the Gunpi River on the border of Churachandpur and Chandel districts in Manipur, was inaugurated on Friday. The inauguration ceremony was held at M. Gammnom village in Chandel district, bordering L. Molnoi village in Churachandpur district.While residents praise the improved access, officials worry about the lack of oversight. The site sits near sensitive border areas.
The inauguration was attended by BJP MLA from Saikot Assembly Constituency Paolienlal Haokip and MLA Chinlunthang Zou from Singhat Assembly Constituency, along with representatives of various Kuki-Zo civil society organisations.
Intelligence officers fear the unregulated path could help smugglers or people moving across the border in secret. State and Central authorities are watching, but they have taken no action yet. The bridge stands as a headache for those tasked with border security. Officials have not issued orders to stop the work despite the security risks.
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