Overview:
Locals said the bridge is the only road link to essential services, markets and agricultural land for the Sahamphung block, which comprises more than 10 villages.
Kamjong: A Bailey bridge serving as the only road lifeline for several border villages in Manipur’s Kamjong district was reportedly destroyed in a suspected explosive attack on Tuesday night. In a separate incident, a telecom vehicle en route to Chatric village was allegedly set ablaze by armed miscreants.
According to local sources, residents in the surrounding area heard a loud noise, believed to have been caused by an explosion, at around 10 pm.
When villagers attempted to cross the bridge over the Namban River at daybreak, they found the Bailey bridge completely destroyed and rendered unusable.
Locals said the bridge is the only road link to essential services, markets and agricultural land for the Sahamphung block, which comprises more than 10 villages.
Residents alleged that the attack was carried out by armed Kuki militants, although no group has claimed responsibility so far. According to local sources, materials suspected to be explosive residue were found scattered on a blue plastic tarpaulin at the site.
Stephen LM, 70, headman of Chahong Khunou, said there are no settlements between Kamjong town and the bridge except Phaimol, a Kuki village that was recently destroyed during the ongoing conflict. Based on his knowledge of the terrain, he believes armed groups could have moved through the hills and riverine forest from the Phaimol area to reach the bridge undetected.
A team from Kamjong police has rushed to the site and launched an investigation into the incident.
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