Imphal, July 22: Suspected militants destroyed a Bailey bridge over the Namban Lok River in Manipur’s Kamjong district on Wednesday by detonating improvised explosive devices (IEDs), cutting off the only road link connecting several villages to the district headquarters, police said.
The explosion occurred at around 9.30 am between Phange and Chatric villages. The bridge, built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), served as the only road connecting Chatric and nearby villages with the district headquarters, making it a vital transport route for local residents.
During the attack, the assailants also allegedly set fire to a Bolero pick-up vehicle belonging to the Telecom Department that had been parked on the bank of the Namban Lok River. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the blaze.
Initial findings by investigators suggest that the bridge was blown up using IEDs. Police believe the attack was aimed at damaging public infrastructure, disrupting transportation and communication services, restricting civilian movement and creating fear among the local population.
Describing the incident as a serious threat to public safety and state security, police said a suo motu case has been registered at CSD Police Station under relevant legal provisions. An investigation is underway to identify those involved and bring them to justice.
No militant organisation has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
