Imphal: The destruction of the 130-foot Bailey Bridge over the Namban Lok River in Manipur’s Kamjong district on the night of July 21–22 has triggered strong condemnation from Naga civil society, with prominent organisations demanding an immediate investigation and criminal action over the destruction of the crucial civilian lifeline.
The bridge, constructed in 2016 under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), was destroyed in a powerful explosion, severing road connectivity between the Kamjong and Sahamphung subdivisions.
By destroying the central section of the bridge, the blast has cut off more than 10 villages in Sahamphung Block, which comprises over 21 villages.
Khanuithot-Khon (Voice of the Naga Youth) and the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) alleged that Kuki militant groups were responsible.
Khanuithot-Khon further alleged the involvement of Assam Rifles personnel, claiming the route had become vital after National Highway-202 was heavily restricted.
The TNL further claimed that armed Kuki groups operating from villages including Kultuh, Phaikoh and Molnoi, along with members of the KNA-B and the People’s Defence Force (PDF) based across the Indo-Myanmar border, have intensified violent activities in parts of Kamjong district in recent months.
The assailants also set a parked Telecom Department Bolero vehicle on fire during the attack.
Both organisations have demanded a judicial or independent inquiry, the immediate restoration of the bridge on a war footing, and the registration of criminal cases against all individuals and security personnel found to be involved.
Police have registered a suo motu case and launched a manhunt to identify and apprehend those responsible for destroying the critical public infrastructure.